Ante Milanovic-Litre stands as one of the most versatile and hardworking players in the Canadian Football League today. The 30-year-old running back has built a reputation as a reliable short-yardage specialist and special teams contributor throughout his eight-season CFL career.
Currently playing for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Milanovic-Litre has established himself as a valuable Canadian talent who brings both leadership and determination to every team he joins.
Ante Milanovic-Litre’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ante Milanovic-Litre |
| Date of Birth | October 17, 1994 |
| Age | 30 years old |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 229 lb (104 kg) |
| College | Simon Fraser University |
| High School | Notre Dame Regional Secondary School |
| Current Team | Hamilton Tiger-Cats |
| Position | Running back, Fullback |
| Draft Year | 2017 (4th round, 28th overall) |
| @antelitre | |
| Wife | N/A |
Early Career
Ante Milanovic-Litre’s football journey began in Vancouver, where he grew up in a Croatian immigrant family. His father Petar arrived in Canada in 1988 at age 28, working as an engineer in Croatia before transitioning to ship repair work in Vancouver.
His mother Mandy immigrated to Canada when she was just three years old. The family initially expected Ante to follow soccer, given his Croatian heritage, but his physical style of play led coaches to suggest he try football instead.
At Notre Dame Regional Secondary School in Vancouver, Milanovic-Litre discovered his calling on the football field. His brother Josip had already joined the team, which helped introduce Ante to the sport.
The transition from soccer to football proved natural for the young athlete, who brought an aggressive, physical approach that would become his trademark throughout his career.
His high school career at Notre Dame set the foundation for his future success. The school’s football program helped develop his skills as both a running back and special teams player.
His performance caught the attention of college scouts, ultimately leading to his recruitment by Simon Fraser University, where he would spend four crucial years developing his game at the collegiate level.
Professional Career
Milanovic-Litre’s professional career began when the Calgary Stampeders selected him in the fourth round (28th overall) of the 2017 CFL Draft. His rookie season saw limited action with just six games played, but he made an immediate impact by scoring his first CFL touchdown on eight carries for 26 yards.
The young running back quickly established himself as a special teams contributor, recording three tackles in his debut season.
The 2018 season proved to be a breakthrough year for Milanovic-Litre. Playing in all 18 regular season games, he became an integral part of the Stampeders’ Grey Cup championship team. His role expanded significantly on special teams, where he recorded 10 tackles while contributing on offense when needed.
The Grey Cup victory remains one of the highest achievements of his career, cementing his place in Calgary football history.
His career continued to evolve through various teams, including stops with the Edmonton Elks in 2022 and the Ottawa Redblacks in 2023. Each team valued his versatility and work ethic, using him in short-yardage situations and as a reliable special teams performer.
In 2024, he joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, where he has found a perfect fit, leading the team with five rushing touchdowns and proving his worth as both a goal-line specialist and veteran presence in the locker room.
Ante Milanovic-Litre’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Ante Milanovic-Litre’s estimated net worth is $500,000, accumulated through his eight-season CFL career.
Contract
Milanovic-Litre recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in February 2025, keeping him with the team through the 2026 season. The extension demonstrates the organization’s confidence in his abilities and leadership qualities.
His current contract reflects his value as a versatile Canadian player who can contribute in multiple roles, from short-yardage situations to special teams coverage.
Salary
Milanovic-Litre earned $97,800 in hard money with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, with a maximum potential value of $117,300 including performance incentives. His salary reflects his role as a depth player and special teams contributor rather than a featured running back.
The structure includes base salary, potential playtime bonuses, and performance-based incentives tied to his contributions on the field.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Calgary Stampeders | $65,000 |
| 2018 | Calgary Stampeders | $70,000 |
| 2019 | Calgary Stampeders | $75,000 |
| 2020 | Calgary Stampeders | $80,000 |
| 2021 | Calgary Stampeders | $85,000 |
| 2022 | Edmonton Elks | $102,000 |
| 2023 | Ottawa Redblacks | $95,000 |
| 2024 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | $97,800 |
| 2025 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | $105,000 (estimated) |
Career Stats
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 111 |
| Rushing Attempts | 241 |
| Rushing Yards | 853 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 12 |
| Rushing Average | 3.5 yards per carry |
| Receptions | 55 |
| Receiving Yards | 453 |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 1 |
| Special Teams Tackles | 47 |
| Fumbles | 4 |
| Fumbles Lost | 3 |
FAQs
1. What position does Ante Milanovic-Litre play?
He plays as a running back and fullback for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. His versatility allows him to contribute in short-yardage situations, goal-line carries, and special teams coverage throughout his eight-season CFL career.
2. How did Milanovic-Litre get into football?
His brother Josip introduced him to football at Notre Dame Regional Secondary School in Vancouver. Despite his Croatian parents expecting him to play soccer, coaches suggested football due to his physical playing style and aggressive approach.
3. What teams has he played for in his CFL career?
He has played for four CFL teams: Calgary Stampeders (2017-2021), Edmonton Elks (2022), Ottawa Redblacks (2023), and Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2024-present). He won a Grey Cup championship with Calgary.
4. What is his current contract situation?
Milanovic-Litre signed a two-year contract extension with Hamilton Tiger-Cats in February 2025. The deal keeps him with the team through the 2026 season, reflecting their confidence in his leadership and on-field contributions.
5. What makes him valuable as a Canadian player?
His Canadian citizenship provides roster flexibility under CFL rules, allowing teams to use more import players in other positions. He brings reliability in short-yardage situations and special teams coverage, making him a valuable depth player for any organization.
