Walter Fletcher stands out as one of the most compelling stories in Canadian Football League history. The Maryland native transformed from a small-school college player into a Grey Cup champion and one of the CFL’s most reliable running backs.
Despite being released by the Montreal Alouettes, Fletcher’s impact on the field and his financial success continue to capture attention among football fans.
Walter Fletcher’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Walter Charles Fletcher |
| Date of Birth | December 17, 1996 |
| Age | 28 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | 202 lbs (92 kg) |
| Education | Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Ball State University |
| Professional Debut | 2021 |
| Position | Running Back |
| Teams Played For | Edmonton Elks (2021), Montreal Alouettes (2022-2024) |
Early Career
Walter Fletcher’s football journey began in Columbia, Maryland, where he attended Centennial High School. As a senior, Fletcher rushed for 1,736 yards on 236 carries and scored 23 touchdowns, earning all-state honors and First Team All-Howard County recognition.
He set multiple school records including rushing yards in a single game (306), single season rushing yards (1,736), single season touchdowns (25), and career rushing yards (2,955).
After graduating high school, Fletcher’s path to college football took an unconventional route. He first attended East Coast Prep in Great Barrington, Massachusetts for three months in 2014.
Fletcher then enrolled at NCAA Division III Randolph-Macon College in spring 2015 before transferring to Edinboro University of Pennsylvania as a walk-on for the fall semester of 2015.
At Edinboro University, Fletcher quickly established himself as a standout player despite being undersized at 5’9″ and 191 pounds. During his sophomore year, Fletcher set a school record with 1,740 rushing yards on 253 carries, ranking second in NCAA Division II in rushing yards and rushing yards per game at 158.2 yards per game.
His exceptional performance earned him recognition as one of the top Division II players in the country.
Professional Career
Fletcher’s professional football career began in 2021 when he joined the Edmonton Elks as an undrafted free agent. Despite his impressive college credentials, Fletcher had to prove himself at the professional level.
In his rookie season with Edmonton, Fletcher appeared in 10 games and carried the ball 67 times for 302 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. He also contributed as a receiver with 22 catches for 177 yards.
The Montreal Alouettes recognized Fletcher’s potential and acquired him via trade from Edmonton in June 2022 in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2023 CFL Draft. This move proved beneficial for both Fletcher and the Alouettes.
In his first season with Montreal, Fletcher appeared in 14 games and rushed for 486 yards on 85 carries while adding 29 receptions for 353 yards and one touchdown.
Fletcher’s career reached its peak in 2023 when he helped the Montreal Alouettes win the Grey Cup championship. Although he served primarily as a backup to William Stanback that season, Fletcher contributed 266 rushing yards on 58 carries in seven regular season games. His versatility and reliability made him a valuable asset during the championship run.
Walter Fletcher’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Walter Fletcher’s estimated net worth ranges between $500,000 to $1 million. This estimation reflects his four-year CFL career earnings, endorsement opportunities, and personal investments.
Contract
Fletcher signed a two-year contract extension with the Montreal Alouettes in December 2024 that included a $17,500 signing bonus. However, this contract was voided when the Alouettes released him in May 2025 before the start of the season. Throughout his CFL career, Fletcher has signed multiple contracts reflecting his growing value as a player.
Salary
Fletcher’s salary progression reflects his development from a backup player to a starting running back in the CFL. In 2023, Fletcher ranked as one of the 15 highest-paid running backs in the CFL with hard money earnings of $93,000 and a maximum value of $99,000.
His salary increased significantly for the 2024 season when he became the Alouettes’ primary running back, though specific figures for that season have not been publicly disclosed.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Edmonton Elks | $65,000 – $75,000 |
| 2022 | Montreal Alouettes | $75,000 – $85,000 |
| 2023 | Montreal Alouettes | $93,000 – $99,000 |
| 2024 | Montreal Alouettes | $110,000 – $130,000 |
| Total Career Earnings | $343,000 – $389,000 |
Career Statistics
| Season | Team | Games | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs | Total Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Edmonton | 10 | 67 | 302 | 0 | 22 | 177 | 0 | 479 |
| 2022 | Montreal | 14 | 85 | 486 | 1 | 29 | 353 | 1 | 839 |
| 2023 | Montreal | 7 | 58 | 266 | 0 | 23 | 176 | 0 | 442 |
| 2024 | Montreal | 17 | 141 | 764 | 4 | 71 | 682 | 3 | 1,446 |
| Career Totals | 48 | 351 | 1,818 | 5 | 145 | 1,388 | 4 | 3,206 |
FAQs
1. What happened to Walter Fletcher with the Montreal Alouettes?
Fletcher was surprisingly released by the Montreal Alouettes in May 2025 despite signing a two-year contract extension just months earlier. The team cited superior pass blocking abilities and overall performance from younger running backs Stevie Scott III, Travis Theis, and Sean Thomas-Erlington as the primary reasons for his release.
2. How did Walter Fletcher perform in his final CFL season?
Fletcher had his best professional season, recording career highs with 764 rushing yards and 682 receiving yards. He became the first Alouettes running back since William Stanback to surpass 1,400 total yards from scrimmage, demonstrating his value as a dual-threat player before his unexpected release.
3. Where did Walter Fletcher play college football?
Fletcher played college football at two universities. He spent three years at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania where he set multiple school records, including single-season rushing yards (1,740). He then transferred to Ball State University for his final season, where he rushed for 726 yards and caught 26 passes.
4. What awards did Walter Fletcher win during his football career?
Fletcher earned numerous accolades during his college career, including 2018 PSAC West Offensive Player of the Year, 2017 and 2018 All-PSAC West First Team selections, and 2017 Associated Press Division II All-American Second Team honors. He also helped the Montreal Alouettes win the 2023 Grey Cup championship.
5. What makes Walter Fletcher unique as a running back?
Fletcher stands out for his intelligence and versatility, holding a master’s degree in coaching and serving as both a rushing and receiving threat. Despite his smaller stature at 5’9″ and 202 pounds, he maximizes his abilities through excellent vision, cutting ability, and comprehensive understanding of offensive schemes that coaches frequently praise.
