It was a successful comeback on the field for Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker Micah Teitz in 2023.
Teitz returned to the Roughriders lineup after missing the entire 2022 campaign due to a hip injury.
The former Calgary Dino hopes that his comeback story can continue with Saskatchewan next season.
Recently, Teitz joined Michael Ball on the Sportscage to discuss his return to the gridiron, the coaching future of the Roughriders and his own future with the team.
The Canadian linebacker said one of his proudest this season was to play an entire regular season after being sidelined last year.
“I never did that before,” said the 27-year-old.
Reflecting back on the season, he felt his individual performance was up and down this season.
“I believe that towards the end of the season, I started kind of playing my best football.”
In his fourth season on the field for the Roughriders, Teitz finished third overall with the team in tackles (57), trailing only C.J. Reavis (59) and Larry Dean (104).
Before he suffered the hip injury, the linebacker enjoyed his best season with the Roughriders in 2021 with 64 tackles and three sacks.
Like much of the franchise, Teitz faces uncertainty this winter as he is eligible to become a free agent this February.
The Roughriders are the only professional team Teitz has played for in the CFL. He has established loyalty with the green and white led by General Manager Jeremy O’Day, who drafted the linebacker with the 14th overall selection in the 2018 CFL Draft.
“I think there’s something to be said about sticking loyal to the people that have been loyal to you and that’s what kind of make my career a success so far.”
The linebacker noted the new head coach will be one of the dominos that will fall ahead of a decision between the two sides.
O’Day has stated that he wants to hire a new head coach for the Roughriders by the end of the month, with rumoured candidates on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, including Hamilton Tiger-Cats senior offensive assistant Scott Milanovich, Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive coordinator Buck Pierce and Toronto Argonauts defensive coordinator Corey Mace.
Teitz finds positives for himself if Saskatchewan chooses either an offensive or defensive coach.
“If it’s an offensive coach, they’ve definitely planned to play against me,” said the linebacker.
With a defensive coach, Teitz says that he may value veteran Canadian experience, which he has accumulated during his time in Saskatchewan.
He said that the decision about his future with the team will come after a new head coach is in place, but he hopes to remain with the Roughriders in 2024.
“I truly do like Regina, I like living there, the people, the city.”
Free agency in the CFL is set for February 13.