In Saskatchewan Roughriders’ circles, a 12-year gap between Grey Cup appearances is deemed excessively long. This situation has led to a mix of Grey Cup newcomers and seasoned veterans on the team’s roster as they gear up for the championship game in Winnipeg.
Grey Cup week stands out in the CFL season for its unique dynamics. The team relocates for practice, congregates in a shared hotel, faces a swarm of media attention, and welcomes players’ families from various parts of North America to witness the game.
Jermarcus Hardrick, who participated in four consecutive Grey Cups with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers between 2019 and 2023, advises his teammates to remain adaptable. Drawing from his wins and losses, Hardrick emphasizes the importance of approaching the week as just another football game, urging them not to be swayed by the surrounding hype.
Another seasoned Grey Cup contender is defensive tackle Micah Johnson, a veteran of four championship games with the Calgary Stampeders, clinching two victories and enduring two losses. Reflecting on his last appearance in 2018, Johnson underscores the fleeting nature of such moments, urging everyone to appreciate the experience.
Several other players bring Grey Cup experience to the table, including defensive back Marcus Sales, A.J. Ouelette, Kerfalla Exume, and veteran quarterback Trevor Harris. Harris, a two-time Grey Cup winner as a backup quarterback with Toronto and Ottawa in 2012 and 2016, emphasizes the importance of balancing distractions with enjoyment during Grey Cup week.
Amidst the competition, the players emphasize the off-field memories that will endure beyond the game. Grey Cup week fosters camaraderie as the team bonds over shared meals, accommodations, and stories, forging lasting relationships that transcend the game’s outcome.
Ultimately, win or lose, the memories created during the Grey Cup experience are cherished and shared for a lifetime, embodying the essence of camaraderie and sportsmanship.