Sean Thomas Erlington stands as one of Canadian football’s most reliable and versatile running backs, bringing hometown pride to the Montreal Alouettes.
After seven successful seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the 32-year-old has returned to his roots in Montreal, where he continues to showcase the work ethic and determination that made him a Vanier Cup champion.
Sean Thomas Erlington’s Biography
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sean Thomas Erlington |
| Date of Birth | July 28, 1992 |
| Age | 32 years old |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | 217 lbs (98 kg) |
| Position | Running Back |
| Current Team | Montreal Alouettes |
| Jersey Number | #21 |
| Professional Debut | 2017 |
| College | Université de Montréal |
| @sean1erlington |
Early Career
Sean Thomas Erlington’s football journey began in Montreal, where he developed his passion for the game at Vieux High School. His athletic talents quickly became apparent, leading him to join the Université de Montréal Carabins football program in 2013.
During his university years from 2013 to 2016, Erlington established himself as a key contributor to the team’s success, appearing in 28 career collegiate games and recording 253 carries for 1,405 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns.
The pinnacle of his college career came in 2014 when he played a crucial role in helping the Carabins capture their first-ever Vanier Cup championship. Under head coach Danny Maciocia, Erlington ran for a fourth-quarter touchdown in the thrilling 20-19 comeback victory over the McMaster Marauders.
This championship experience would prove invaluable as he transitioned to professional football, providing him with the mental toughness and championship mentality that would define his CFL career.
His college performance caught the attention of CFL scouts, particularly his combination of power running and receiving abilities. Erlington’s versatility as both a runner and pass-catcher made him an attractive prospect for teams looking for a multi-dimensional backfield weapon.
His strong work ethic and team-first attitude, traits that were evident during his time with the Carabins, would become hallmarks of his professional career.
Professional Career
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats selected Sean Thomas Erlington in the eighth round, 66th overall, of the 2017 CFL Draft. His rookie season served as a learning experience, appearing in 10 games but carrying the ball only once for one yard.
However, his second season in 2018 marked his emergence as a reliable contributor, rushing for 218 yards on 34 carries and adding seven receptions for 93 yards.
Erlington’s breakthrough came during the 2019 season when he started four games and rushed for 224 yards on 33 carries, demonstrating his ability to handle a larger workload. Despite suffering a season-ending injury early in the campaign, he had already shown the Tiger-Cats coaching staff his potential as a primary ball carrier.
The 2021 season represented his most productive year, carrying the ball 70 times for 356 yards and four touchdowns while adding 20 receptions for 129 yards and one receiving touchdown.
His career took a meaningful turn in February 2024 when he signed with the Montreal Alouettes as a free agent, returning to his hometown. The move reunited him with general manager Danny Maciocia, his former college coach who had guided him to the Vanier Cup championship.
In December 2024, the Alouettes re-signed Erlington to a one-year extension for the 2025 season, demonstrating their confidence in his continued contributions.
Sean Thomas Erlington’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Sean Thomas Erlington’s estimated net worth ranges between $500,000 to $750,000. His wealth primarily comes from his eight-year CFL career, endorsement opportunities, and various business ventures.
Contract
Erlington signed a one-year contract extension with the Montreal Alouettes for the 2025 season. The deal keeps him with his hometown team through the current campaign, allowing him to continue contributing to the organization where he won his college championship.
His current contract reflects his value as an experienced veteran who brings leadership and versatility to the Alouettes’ backfield rotation.
Salary
Erlington’s salary has progressed steadily. In 2022, he earned $85,000 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, which increased to $94,000 in 2023. His contract included performance bonuses, including a $2,500 bonus for playing at least 75% of the team’s games.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Estimated Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | $55,000 |
| 2018 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | $60,000 |
| 2019 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | $65,000 |
| 2021 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | $75,000 |
| 2022 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | $85,000 |
| 2023 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | $94,000 |
| 2024 | Montreal Alouettes | $85,000 |
| 2025 | Montreal Alouettes | $90,000 |
Career Stats
| Year | Team | GP | GS | Carries | Rush Yards | Rush TD | Receptions | Rec Yards | Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | 10 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | 18 | 0 | 34 | 218 | 1 | 7 | 93 | 0 |
| 2019 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | 4 | 4 | 33 | 224 | 0 | 11 | 193 | 1 |
| 2021 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | 12 | 8 | 70 | 356 | 4 | 20 | 129 | 1 |
| 2022 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | 18 | 3 | 53 | 371 | 1 | 25 | 216 | 1 |
| 2023 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | 11 | 0 | 16 | 88 | 1 | 8 | 88 | 1 |
| 2024 | Montreal Alouettes | 18 | 1 | 23 | 125 | 0 | 5 | 42 | 0 |
| 2025 | Montreal Alouettes | 5 | 5 | 47 | 246 | 1 | 4 | 31 | 1 |
| Career Totals | All Teams | 96 | 21 | 277 | 1,629 | 8 | 80 | 792 | 5 |
FAQs
1. What college did Sean Thomas Erlington attend?
Sean Thomas Erlington attended the Université de Montréal where he played for the Carabins from 2013 to 2016. He won the Vanier Cup championship under head coach Danny Maciocia, scoring a crucial fourth-quarter touchdown in the victory over McMaster.
2. When was Sean Thomas Erlington drafted to the CFL?
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats selected Erlington in the eighth round, 66th overall, of the 2017 CFL Draft. He spent six seasons with Hamilton before signing with the Montreal Alouettes as a free agent in February 2024.
3. How many teams has Sean Thomas Erlington played for in his CFL career?
Erlington has played for two teams during his CFL career. He spent seven seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats from 2017-2023, then joined his hometown Montreal Alouettes where he currently plays.
4. What is Sean Thomas Erlington’s career rushing total?
Erlington has rushed for 1,629 yards on 277 carries with eight rushing touchdowns. He has also contributed as a receiver with 80 catches for 792 yards and five receiving touchdowns.
5. Has Sean Thomas Erlington won any championships in his career?
Yes, Erlington won the Vanier Cup with the Université de Montréal Carabins. He also appeared in the Grey Cup game with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, though they lost to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in overtime.
