It was a “Super” start to the new year for the Saskatchewan Roughriders with the re-signing of returner Mario Alford to the squad.
Since arriving in 2022, the 31-year-old has quickly established himself as the elite returner with the green and white. That season he was named the Most Outstanding Special Teams Player of the Year after he recorded four return touchdowns. This past year, he tied a club record for three punt return touchdowns and was named a CFL Western All-Star.
On Wednesday, he joined the Sportscage with Michael Ball and Barney Shynkaruk.
After agreeing to his new deal, Alford had the chance to meet with the Roughriders new Head Coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders Corey Mace. It wasn’t a long conversation, but Mace made a good impression on his returner, knowing what he will bring to the franchise.
“You can hear his excitement, his passion for the game.”
Mace told Alford soon, the pair would sit down and pick each other’s brain as they lay the foundation for their relationship.
Offensive coordinator Marc Mueller will be a new face for Alford in 2024, and he’s excited to get to know him.
“It’s real fun to meet new people, to have new staff on board.” The Greenville, GA product noted he’s heard a lot of positive reviews for both Mace and Mueller.
Despite a lot of chatter before the season, Alford didn’t see much of a role on the green and white offence in 2023 with only a pair of targets.
Alford also noted that he’s excited to see the moves the Roughriders make when free agency opens up next month.
Saban Talk
This week saw a major shift in the coaching world in college football with the retirement of Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban. Like many in the gridiron world, Alford was a fan of the long-time leader of the Crimson Tide, noting that he should be considered among the elite for head coaches in college football.
“He’s definitely one to remember.”
Alford believes Saban separated himself from other coaches due to his competitiveness and commitment to his trade.
“He’s all about football and winning.” The Roughriders returner added that coaches like Saban don’t come along that often.
The former Mountaineer had the chance to compete against Alabama in the Chick-fil-A Bowl at the beginning of the 2014 season. The Crimson Tide prevailed 33-24 over West Virginia. Some recognizable names on that Alabama squad include Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, and Washington Commanders Defensive Tackle Jonathan Allen.
But Alford did make an impact in the game with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that tied the game late in the second quarter 17-17.
The Farm Life
During the off-season, Alford splits his time between North Carolina and West Virginia.
Before he ramps up his training regimen around March, a lot of his time is spent on the family farm in West Virginia.
There’s no such thing as an off day on the farm, and the Roughrider returner understands that farm life is much different from the football life.
“Football is a lot easier than farming,” said Alford, “it’s a lifestyle, you got to love it to do it.”
Right now, the focus on the farm is calving season.
The new deal with Alford runs through the 2024 campaign.
