'You get to a breaking point': Documentary reveals Andrew Harris' off-field struggles
A new documentary recounts the previously untold story of iconic Winnipeg Blue Bomber Andrew Harris, who is getting candid about his struggles off the field for the first time.
For 18 months, a camera crew followed the four-time Grey Cup champ as he navigated his final season in the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts.
Between practices and games, the documentary "Running Back Relentless" also explores Harris' struggles with childhood trauma, thoughts of self-harm, trust, and abandonment issues as he reached a breaking point in his personal life.
"I was never wanting to talk about struggles and I think as athletes, we kind of bury a lot of things," he said in an interview on CTV Morning Live Winnipeg.
"You get to a breaking point where it pushes you to an edge, where it becomes really impactful in a negative and dangerous way, and that's kind of where I was at."
The documentary is now streaming on Apple TV+ and Google Play, and will arrive on Amazon Prime Video next week.
A portion of the proceeds go to Sam's Foundation, a Manitoba organization providing resources and supports for youth mental health.
"The whole purpose of this is maybe to help somebody else, and I was in a really dark spot," he said.
"More athletes, more people need to realize that they're not alone in certain situations. It is a football story, but it's not a football documentary."
The documentary premiered as Harris is set to be honoured by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The Winnipegger officially signed a one-day contract in April so he could retire as a Bomber.
At Friday's game against the B.C. Lions, a video tribute will play, honouring his legendary career. He will also sign autographs and meet fans in the tail-gate area prior to kick-off.
"I haven't enjoyed a game from a fan perspective in a really long time, so I'm really just looking forward to being in the building, shake some hands, see some people and just enjoy the environment," he said.
"It's always rocking there, and I'm looking forward to it."
- With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagacé
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'She will not be missed': Trump on Freeland's departure from cabinet
As Canadians watched a day of considerable political turmoil for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government given the sudden departure of Chrystia Freeland on Monday, it appears that U.S. president-elect Donald Trump was also watching it unfold.
Canadian government to make border security announcement today: sources
The federal government will make an announcement on new border security measures after question today, CTV News has learned.
Two employees charged in death of assisted care resident who ended up locked outside building overnight
Two employees at an Oshawa assisted living facility are facing charges in connection with the death of a resident who wandered outside the building during the winter and ended up locked outside all night.
The Canada Post strike is over, but it will take time to get back to normal, says spokesperson
Canada Post workers are back on the job after a gruelling four-week strike that halted deliveries across the country, but it could take time before operations are back to normal.
Lion Electric to file for creditor protection
Lion Electric, a Quebec-based manufacturer of electric buses and trucks, says that it plans to file for creditor protection.
Canada's inflation rate down a tick to 1.9% in November
Inflation edged down slightly to 1.9 per cent in November as price growth continued to stabilize in Canada.
Transit riders work together to rescue scared cat from underneath TTC streetcar
A group of TTC riders banded together to rescue a woman's cat from underneath a streetcar in downtown Toronto, saving one of its nine lives.
Trudeau considering his options as leader after Freeland quits cabinet, sources say
Chrystia Freeland, Canada's finance minister, said in an explosive letter published Monday morning that she will quit cabinet. Here's what happened on Monday, Dec. 16.
Teacher and a teenage student killed in a shooting at a Christian school in Wisconsin
A 15-year-old student killed a teacher and another teenager with a handgun Monday at a Christian school in Wisconsin, terrifying classmates including a second grader who made the 911 call that sent dozens of police officers rushing to the small school just a week before its Christmas break.
Regina
-
One dead following morning house fire in east Regina
Regina Fire says one person is dead after a house fire in the city’s east end Tuesday morning.
-
Man injured in Moose Jaw motel fire dies from injuries, police say
The Moose Jaw Police Service says the man involved in a fire at a downtown motel Friday night has died from his injuries.
-
SaskPower's Great Plains Power Station now online near Moose Jaw
SaskPower's newest generating facility – the Great Plains Power Station – is now officially online.
Saskatoon
-
Less than rave reviews for the GST holiday from some Saskatchewan shoppers
The federal government’s temporary GST break started this past weekend, and it doesn't appear to be getting rave reviews from businesses or consumers.
-
'Unbelievable': Family, supporters of Baeleigh Maurice call for justice after court decision
A judge's decision to stay the charge against a driver who hit and killed a child is causing some online uproar. Many of the victim's supporters took to social media to call for justice in the death the nine-year-old girl.
-
Canadian Light Source looks ahead to major upgrades, milestones in 2025
Research has wound down and staff at Canada's only synchrotron are getting ready for the holidays.
Edmonton
-
Head of Edmonton police commission resigns after move to Portugal
John McDougall, chair of the Edmonton Police Commission, has resigned his position effective immediately.
-
Woman arrested after child abuse complaint on flight from Toronto to Edmonton: RCMP
A woman was taken into custody after a possible case of child abuse was reported on a flight bound to Edmonton.
-
Vehicle fire closes Highway 16 west of Edmonton
The eastbound lanes of Highway 16 near Niton Junction in Yellowhead County were closed early Tuesday morning because of a semi truck on fire.
Calgary
-
Calgary police officer charged in on-duty assault in Woodbine
A Calgary police officer is facing charges after he allegedly fired a Taser at a man twice during an incident in Woodbine earlier this year.
-
'A very rushed proposal': Stricter short-term rental rules in Calgary spark criticism
Potential rule changes for short-term rentals in Calgary are drawing criticism from the companies that run them.
-
Calgarians with Wednesday cart collection to see holiday changes
If your garbage, recycling or compost bins are normally picked up on Wednesdays, you'll notice a change in your collection over the next two weeks.
Toronto
-
'Gun seizure every 36 hours': Peel police collect record 205 illegal guns in 2024
Peel Regional Police say they seized 205 illegal guns in 2024, the highest total in a single year to date.
-
Ontario finance minister to host meeting with provincial counterparts amid Trump's tariff threat
Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy is hosting a meeting with his provincial counterparts on Tuesday, CP24 has learned.
-
Amid ‘power struggle’ in Ottawa, Chow calls on feds to speed funding for subways and housing
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow is expressing concern that some of the political turmoil in Ottawa could impact important city projects and she’s calling on newly minted Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc to firm up some of the government’s commitments.
Ottawa
-
Kettle Island bridge not a priority for Ottawa: Mayor
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe says a proposal to build a new interprovincial bridge to Gatineau is not a priority for Ottawa, as he continues to push for more funding from the federal government for the city's cash-strapped transit system.
-
Firefighters rescue man trapped inside Major's Hill Park washroom
Firefighters rescued a man trapped inside a washroom at Major's Hill Park in downtown Ottawa early Tuesday morning.
-
These were the most popular books at Ottawa libraries this year
The Women by Kristen Hannah was the most popular English language book for adults at Ottawa public libraries this year.
Montreal
-
Quebec physicians ready to strike, if necessary, in early 2025
The Quebec resident physicians federation says it is ready to strike if necessary, given the impasse in its negotiations with Quebec to renew its collective agreement.
-
Culture of silence at Montreal youth detention facility at centre of sex scandal
A new report says a culture of silence reigned over a Montreal detention centre where female employees are accused of sexually abusing detainees, with at least one worker becoming pregnant.
-
Lion Electric to file for creditor protection
Lion Electric, a Quebec-based manufacturer of electric buses and trucks, says that it plans to file for creditor protection.
Atlantic
-
Snow forecast to fall in parts of the Maritimes this week
As rainy and gusty weather clears the Maritimes Tuesday, a round of snow and rain is lined up for late week.
-
Sex-ed group deemed 'inappropriate' by Tory government returns to N.B. schools
A sexual-education group whose presentations were deemed "clearly inappropriate" by the previous New Brunswick Progressive Conservative government has been cleared to return to the province's schools.
-
Two dead, four in hospital including child, after multi-vehicle crash in Moncton
The New Brunswick RCMP says two people have died and four others are injured following a multi-vehicle crash in Moncton Sunday night.
Vancouver
-
Boy, 8, seriously injured after being struck by car on Nanaimo school grounds
An 8-year-old boy is in hospital after being hit by a car in a school parking lot in Nanaimo, B.C.
-
Poilievre hails B.C. byelection win for Conservatives as Liberal vote collapses
Federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is hailing a decisive British Columbia byelection victory in Cloverdale-Langley City, where Tamara Jansen has won with about two-thirds of the vote.
-
Tofino Harbour Authority closed due to standoff with 'squatter,' agency says
The Tofino Harbour Authority says it has shuttered its office in the coastal Vancouver Island community after what it describes as an escalating standoff with a squatter who has been occupying the harbour property for more than two years.
Vancouver Island
-
Tofino Harbour Authority closed due to standoff with 'squatter,' agency says
The Tofino Harbour Authority says it has shuttered its office in the coastal Vancouver Island community after what it describes as an escalating standoff with a squatter who has been occupying the harbour property for more than two years.
-
Conservatives win B.C. federal byelection amid turmoil in Ottawa
In another blow to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberals, the federal Conservatives have won a byelection in the British Columbia riding of Cloverdale-Langley City.
-
Fish farm company says 'human error' caused 8,000-litre fuel spill off B.C. coast
Cleanup efforts are underway after up to 8,000 litres of diesel fuel spilled into the water at a salmon farm on northwestern Vancouver Island.
Kelowna
-
B.C. man sentenced for 'execution-style' murder of bystander in drug trade conflict
A B.C. man convicted of the "intentional and ruthless killing of a bystander" while acting as an enforcer in the drug trade has been sentenced for a second time in the slaying.
-
Paramedic threatened at knifepoint inside Kelowna ambulance station, union says
The union representing ambulance paramedics in B.C. is calling on the province to beef up security after they say a knife-wielding woman attacked a worker.
-
Car stolen, fleeing suspect found hiding in basement in Kelowna, B.C.
Mounties have arrested a suspect who allegedly stole a car in Kelowna, B.C., before fleeing on foot and hiding from police in the basement of a home.
N.L.
-
After fanfare of Churchill Falls deal, Newfoundland urged to learn its dam lessons
Some in Newfoundland and Labrador are urging the province to take a sober second look at the massive energy partnership with Quebec announced last week.
-
Backhoe used to tear the front off Newfoundland bank, four facing charges: RCMP
Four people in eastern Newfoundland are facing charges after a stolen backhoe was used to tear the front off the RBC bank in Holyrood.
-
'Breaking of gridlock' between Quebec, N.L. is the envy of former premiers
Former Newfoundland and Labrador premiers say a draft energy agreement signed Thursday with Quebec marks a historic break in a long-standing political standoff.
Northern Ontario
-
Compliance checks in North Bay, Ont., find half of people on bail violated release conditions
In what police are calling proof the system needs "repairs," almost half of the people North Bay police checked on recently were violating their bail conditions.
-
Markstay-Warren man charged with drug impaired and dangerous driving
A 28-year-old man is facing charges after police received traffic complaints about a driver on Highway 17 in Sudbury blowing through red lights and passing vehicles on the shoulder.
-
'She will not be missed': Trump on Freeland's departure from cabinet
As Canadians watched a day of considerable political turmoil for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government given the sudden departure of Chrystia Freeland on Monday, it appears that U.S. president-elect Donald Trump was also watching it unfold.
Barrie
-
New details emerge in police-involved shooting at Innisfil, Ont. home
New details have emerged following a police-involved shooting at an Innisfil residence in August that left one young man dead and another facing serious charges.
-
What police want you to know about a new sophisticated scam
It’s no longer just phone calls or emails — fraudsters could now show up at your front door.
-
Pickup truck driver killed in head-on crash with dump truck: OPP
One person has died in a collision involving a dump truck south of Beaverton Monday afternoon.
Kitchener
-
Collision disrupts ION service between Kitchener and Waterloo
According to Grand River Transit, trains are not running between Willis Way/Waterloo Public Square Station and Kitchener Market Station due to the collision.
-
3 suspects wanted following jewelry store robbery at Cambridge Centre Mall
Police said they were called to the shopping centre on Hespeler Road around 8:15 p.m. Monday for reports of a robbery at a jewelry store.
-
Canada’s inflation rate down a tick to 1.9% in November
Statistics Canada’s consumer price index report Tuesday showed inflation was down from two per cent in October.
London
-
Two people wanted as part of London assault investigation
London police are looking for two men wanted in an assault investigation. Police say a man got out of his vehicle on Nov. 26 around 6:30 p.m. in the area of Brydges and Hale streets.
-
Child in hospital with life-threatening injuries after crash on Longwoods Road
A child is in the hospital with life-threatening injuries following a motor-vehicle collision on Longwoods Road just west of Lambeth this afternoon.
-
Traffic flowing again in major artery from London to St. Thomas
The roundabout at Highbury and Ron McNeil Line had been closed for the last two weeks. The two-lane circle is still waiting for artwork installation on Thursday, but traffic is now flowing.
