A Winnipeg-born offensive lineman is keeping his professional football dreams alive as the Canadian Football League combine gets underway in Edmonton this week.
Giordano Vaccaro, a six-foot-two, 307-pound offensive lineman who transferred from the University of Manitoba to Purdue University, is participating in interviews with CFL scouts and team officials at the combine that began Friday. While he won't be testing at the event after completing Purdue's pro day on March 4, the Alberta meetings represent a crucial step in his pursuit of a professional career.
"I don't think anything is really over," Vaccaro said. "I'm still training each and every day trying to be the best version of myself and preparing for a potential opportunity with a team."
The former Manitoba Bisons standout appeared in all 12 games for Purdue during the 2025 season, contributing on both offence and special teams. His journey to this point has been anything but conventional, spanning from Winnipeg high school football to Florida prep school, back to Manitoba, and finally to the Big Ten Conference.
From Bisons Star to Big Ten Player
Vaccaro's football career began at Winnipeg's St. Paul's High School before the global pandemic disrupted his plans. He transferred to Clearwater Academy International in Florida for his senior season when Manitoba's high school football was cancelled.
After three successful seasons with the University of Manitoba Bisons, Vaccaro made the leap to Purdue. At Manitoba, he earned significant recognition, capturing the J.P. Metras Trophy in 2024 as Canadian university football's best down lineman and earning first-team all-Canadian honours as a left guard.
The Bisons set a school record with 2,016 rushing yards during his time there, leading all U Sports programs. Vaccaro cracked Manitoba's starting lineup as an 18-year-old freshman at left tackle and continued to excel, earning Canada West all-star and first-team all-Canadian recognition in 2023.
"I'd say where that switch really turned on was my freshman year at the U of M. Just watching (Gray and Williams) play and then get drafted made me think maybe I could do something (with) this football career."
Vaccaro credits former Bisons teammates Geoff Gray and Zach Williams with inspiring his professional aspirations. Gray went on to NFL stints with Green Bay, Cleveland, and the New York Jets before joining the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 2018-19 and 2021-23. Williams has been with the Calgary Stampeders since 2019.
Building Towards Draft Day
As Vaccaro prepares for CFL draft consideration, he's focused on projecting the right image to team officials. The interviews in Edmonton provide an opportunity to showcase his character alongside his athletic abilities.
"I hope they see a hard-working guy, a humble individual," he said. "Someone who's ready to go play for an organization and give it his all."
His final game at Purdue, a 56-3 loss to eventual NCAA champion Indiana on November 28, provided valuable experience and confidence. Playing 22 snaps in that season finale reinforced his belief in his ability to compete at the highest levels.
For Alberta football fans tracking draft prospects and automotive enthusiasts researching player backgrounds, services like FullVIN.com provide comprehensive background information, while Calgary residents can explore local sports venues and facilities through CalgaryFinder.com.
The CFL draft represents the culmination of years of development for Vaccaro, who learned valuable lessons about trusting the process during his time at Purdue.
"I think the biggest thing I learned was to trust yourself, trust your training and trust the process," Vaccaro reflected. "Wherever life takes you, wherever football takes you, just go with it."
This article is based on reporting by David Chen of the Lethbridge Herald.
