Episode 58: A Conversation with Jason Riley on Bullying and Resilience

In this episode, ASCY’s Sue Lepore chats with Jason Riley, former Hamilton Tiger-Cat, Grey Cup champion, long-time educator, author, and passionate advocate for children and youth. Jason’s story is an extraordinary one: from being a scrawny grade‑schooler who was bullied, to becoming a professional football player and eventually a dedicated teacher. 

Sue and Jason explore the realities of bullying, especially within before and after school programs, where educators often see some of the earliest signs. Jason opens up about his own experiences as a child, the impact of supportive adults, and how sports became both an outlet and a turning point. Together, they delve into the many forms bullying can take, the role of social–emotional learning, and why creating safe, responsive environments is essential for every child. They also discuss the growing influence of social media, the rise in anxiety among young people, and the importance of physical literacy, nature, mindfulness, and connection, all of which can help children build resilience and confidence.

Jason's Bio: Jason Riley played at the University of British Columbia (1979-82) and was named All-Canadian Defensive End, in 1981 & 1982. After winning UBC’s first ever Vanier Cup (football national championship) in 1982, he was the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ first round draft pick. In 1983 Jason was traded for John Hufnagel to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, where he played half a season, then landed in Hamilton as a free agent, where he started as an offensive lineman for 10 years for the Hamilton Tjger-Cats. Jason played in 4 Grey Cups with the Tiger-Cats (1984, 85, 86, & 89), winning in 1986. He was a CFL East All-Star 4 times (86,88,89 & 92) and was named a CFL All-Star in 1989. He was awarded the Charlotte Simmons Humanitarian Award (‘86) for his community service in Hamilton and was inducted into the Tiger-Cats Walk of Fame (‘95). Jason retired from the CFL in 1993 to begin his teaching & coaching career of 30 yrs. He coached Offensive Line at McMaster University over a 25-year span and was on staff for all 8 Yates Cup Championships, ultimately winning the school’s first Vanier Cup in 2011 – he also coached high school football for many of these years. Jason was named “Ontario Master Instructor Offensive Line” in 2010 and published an offensive line coaching manual and DVD. He has also published a children’s book called The Bent Spoon, and his memoir Taming Mad Dog, in 2023. In his retirement, Jason, is on the Board of Directors of both the CFLAA and the HTCAA, where he enjoys supporting former players with financial need with the respective Alumni Support Funds of both associations. Jason is also an avid supporter of youth in the community through his public speaking on Bullying Prevention, Physical Literacy, and the danger of social media to their mental health. Jason and his wife Paulette recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with twin daughters Jordan & Jessica and son Jason Jr.  Contact Jason at: jason75z@hotmail.com 

Jason's presentation intro video: https://youtu.be/LGL3eUBKWlc 

Jason's book: "Taming Mad Dog" https://www.lulu.com/shop/jason-riley/taming-mad-dog/paperback/product-v625mk.html?q=Taming+Mad+dog&page=1&pageSize=4  

ASCY RESOURCES: ASCY offers a variety of tools and programs to support bullying awareness and resilience, including Tools for Life, RIRO (Reaching In Reaching Out), our School Age Community of Practice, the Nature Inspired Network, and our ASAP (ASCY School Age Program) team. Learn more at https://ascy.ca/

Originally published: March 23, 2026.