Jermarcus Hardrick facts for kids
| No. 51 Saskatchewan Roughriders | |
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Hardrick with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2022
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| Nickname(s) | Yoshi |
|---|---|
| Born: | May 30, 1990 Batesville, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| Status | Active |
| CFL status | International |
| Position(s) | Offensive lineman |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (196 cm) |
| Weight | 311 lb (141 kg) |
| College | Fort Scott Nebraska |
| High school | South Panola |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 2012 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers* |
| 2012 | New Orleans Saints* |
| 2013 | Utah Blaze |
| 2014 | BC Lions |
| 2015 | Tampa Bay Storm |
| 2015 | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| 2016–2023 | Winnipeg Blue Bombers |
| 2024–present | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| *Offseason or practice squad only | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| CFL All-Star | 2021, 2023 |
| CFL West All-Star | 2017, 2021, 2023 |
| Career stats | |
| Games played | 133 |
| Games started | 131 |
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Jermarcus "Yoshi" Hardrick (born May 30, 1990) is an American professional football player. He plays as an offensive lineman for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Hardrick is a two-time Grey Cup champion. He won the Grey Cup in 2019 and 2021. He has also been named a CFL All-Star multiple times. Before joining the CFL, he played college football for the Fort Scott Greyhounds and the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Jermarcus Hardrick's Football Journey
Jermarcus Hardrick has played for many teams throughout his professional football career. He started in the NFL and Arena Football League before finding his home in the CFL.
Early NFL and AFL Teams
Hardrick first signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012. He played in a few preseason games. Later that year, he joined the practice squad for the New Orleans Saints. After his time in the NFL, Hardrick played one season in the Arena Football League (AFL) for the Utah Blaze.
Joining the CFL: BC Lions
In 2014, Hardrick moved to Canada and signed with the BC Lions. He played his first CFL game in July 2014. The next week, he made his first start. During the 2014 season, he played in 12 games for the Lions.
Return to AFL and First Stint with Roughriders
After leaving the BC Lions, Hardrick briefly returned to the AFL. He played two games for the Tampa Bay Storm in 2015. Soon after, he signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He played in eight games for the Roughriders in 2015.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers: A Championship Era
Hardrick joined the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2016. This became a very important part of his career.
The "Hardrick Hop" Celebration
In 2016, Hardrick started a fun tradition at home games. After a touchdown, he would jump into the stands to celebrate with fans. This became known as the "Hardrick Hop" or "Hardrick Leap." It was a big hit with the crowd!
All-Star Seasons and Grey Cup Wins
In 2017, Hardrick played in all 18 regular season games. He was named a CFL West All-Star for his excellent play. He continued to be a strong player for the Blue Bombers.
The 2019 season was a big one for Hardrick and the team. He started every game at right tackle. The Blue Bombers won the 107th Grey Cup, making Hardrick a champion!
The 2020 CFL season was cancelled, but Hardrick stayed with the team. In 2021, the Blue Bombers had another amazing season. They won the 108th Grey Cup in overtime, earning their second championship in a row. Hardrick was named a CFL All-Star and CFL West All-Star for his great performance.
Back to the Saskatchewan Roughriders
In 2024, Hardrick signed a new contract with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. This marked his return to the team where he had played briefly in 2015.
Jermarcus Hardrick's Life Off the Field
Jermarcus Hardrick grew up in a small town called Courtland, Mississippi. It was a quiet place with not many opportunities.
The "Yoshi" Nickname
When Hardrick was growing up, his best friend was named Mario Lewis. Because they were always together, people started calling Hardrick "Yoshi." This was a fun reference to the characters Mario and Yoshi from the famous Mario video games. Later, they found out they were actually half-brothers!
Family Life
Hardrick met his wife, Samantha, at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She was a track athlete there. Today, they have three children together. During the football off-season, they live in their home in Lincoln.
