Saskatchewan Roughriders facts for kids
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| Founded | 1910 |
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| Based in | Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Home field | Mosaic Stadium |
| Head coach | Corey Mace |
| General manager | Jeremy O'Day |
| Owner(s) | The Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club Inc. |
| League | Canadian Football League |
| Division | West |
| Colours | Green, white |
| Nickname(s) | Riders, the Green and White, Jolly Green Giants |
| Mascot(s) | Gainer the Gopher |
| Grey Cup wins | 4 (1966, 1989, 2007, 2013) |
| Division 1st Places | 8 (1951, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1976, 2009, 2019) |
| Current uniform | |
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2025 Saskatchewan Roughriders seasonThe Saskatchewan Roughriders are a professional Canadian football team located in Regina, Saskatchewan. They play in the Canadian Football League (CFL) as part of the West Division. The team started in 1910 as the Regina Rugby Club. The Roughriders are one of the oldest professional football teams still playing today. Only a few teams in North America have been around longer.
The team changed its name to the Regina Roughriders in 1924. Then, in 1946, they became the Saskatchewan Roughriders. For many years, they played their home games at Taylor Field. In 2017, they moved to the new Mosaic Stadium. Fans from all over Saskatchewan and Canada support the team. They are known as the Rider Nation. The Roughriders play in the CFL's smallest market. They have won the Grey Cup four times: in 1966, 1989, 2007, and 2013. Their biggest rival is the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Games against them are often sold out.
Contents
Team History: From Rugby to Riders
The team began on September 13, 1910, as the Regina Rugby Club. Their first colors were old gold and purple. They played their first game on October 1, 1910, losing 16–6. After a tough first season, Regina quickly became a strong team. In 1911, they changed their colors to blue and white. In 1912, they changed again to red and black.
From 1912 to 1920, Regina was a dominant force in western football. They won six straight Western Canada Rugby Football Union (WCRFU) titles. They were undefeated in competitive games during this time. In 1921, the Western champion was invited to play for the Grey Cup for the first time. Regina made it to the Grey Cup finals in 1923. However, they lost badly, 54–0, to Queen's University. This was the biggest loss in Grey Cup history.
Becoming the Roughriders
After their first Grey Cup loss, the club changed its name to the Regina Roughriders in 1924. They kept their red and black colors. The name "Roughriders" likely came from the North-West Mounted Police. They were called Roughriders because they broke wild horses.
From 1926 to 1932, the Roughriders won seven straight western championships. They reached the Grey Cup finals five years in a row, from 1928 to 1932. However, they still couldn't win the national championship. They lost all five Grey Cup games. In 1934, they lost their last WCRFU title game.
Joining the CFL and New Colors
In 1936, Regina joined the Western Interprovincial Football Union (WIFU). This was the top level of football in Western Canada. In 1946, the team became the Saskatchewan Roughriders. This made them one of the first major-league teams to represent an entire province. Before the 1948 season, the team needed new uniforms. An executive found green and white uniforms in Chicago and bought them. Green and white have been the team's main colors ever since.
In 1951, the Roughriders won their first WIFU regular season championship. They reached the Grey Cup for the first time since 1934. They played against the Ottawa Rough Riders. This was the first "Roughriders vs. Rough Riders" Grey Cup game. Saskatchewan lost 21–14.
Tragedy and New Beginnings
In 1956, a terrible plane crash killed four Roughriders players: Gordon Sturtridge, Mel Becket, Ray Syrnyk, and Mario DeMarco. They were returning from an All-Star Game. The team retired their numbers to honor them.
In 1958, the Saskatchewan Roughriders became a founding member of the new Canadian Football League. Ken Preston became the General Manager. He held this job for 20 years. This was a very successful time for the team.
The Ronnie and George Show (1963–1975)
In 1963, the Roughriders signed fullback George Reed. They also traded for quarterback Ron Lancaster. This duo changed the team forever. In 1965, Eagle Keys became the head coach. He led the team to an 8–7–1 record. George Reed rushed for over 1,700 yards that season.
1966 Grey Cup Champions
In 1966, the Roughriders won the Western Conference regular season title. This was their first since 1951. Ron Lancaster was named the West's most outstanding player. Saskatchewan swept Winnipeg in the West Finals. They reached their ninth Grey Cup final.
In the 54th Grey Cup, Saskatchewan played the Ottawa Rough Riders again. The score was tied 14–14 at halftime. Saskatchewan scored 15 points in the fourth quarter to win 29–14. This was the franchise's first Grey Cup championship! George Reed was the MVP.
The Roughriders continued to be strong. They reached the Grey Cup again in 1967 and 1969, but lost both times. In 1970, they won a franchise-best 14 games. However, they were upset in the West Finals. Eagle Keys resigned after that season. He is still the winningest coach in Roughrider history.
A Bittersweet Era
The team continued its winning ways under new coaches. They reached the Grey Cup in 1972 and 1976. In 1976, they lost to the Ottawa Rough Riders in the final seconds. This ended a great but bittersweet era. The team had made the playoffs for 15 straight seasons. They had the best regular season record in professional football during that time. But they only won one championship.
Challenges and Comebacks (1979–1999)
After 1976, the Roughriders went through a tough period. They missed the playoffs for 11 straight years. This was the longest playoff drought in CFL history. Star quarterback Ron Lancaster retired in 1978. The team struggled, even with talented players like Joey Walters and Roger Aldag.
Saving the Roughriders
By 1987, the team was in financial trouble. Fans held a "Save the Roughriders" telethon. It was a huge success and kept the team going. A group called "Friends of the Riders" also started a yearly lottery. This helped the club's finances for many years.
In 1988, the Roughriders made the playoffs again. This ended their long drought. They hosted a playoff game for the first time since 1976.
1989 Grey Cup Champions
In 1989, the Roughriders finished with a 9–9 record. They made the playoffs again. They defeated the Calgary Stampeders in the West Semi-Final. Then, they faced the powerful Edmonton Eskimos, who had won 16 games that season. The Roughriders upset the Eskimos 32–21. They advanced to the Grey Cup to play the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The 77th Grey Cup was an exciting game. With the score tied 40–40, kicker Dave Ridgway made a 35-yard field goal. This won the Grey Cup for the Roughriders! It was their second championship. This play is simply known as "The Kick." Many consider it the greatest Grey Cup game ever played.
The Roughriders made the playoffs several times in the early 1990s. In 1995, Regina hosted the Grey Cup for the first time. However, the Roughriders did not make the playoffs that year. In 1997, the team had another "Save the Roughriders" telethon. They also got a loan from the National Football League. That same year, they made it to the 85th Grey Cup. But they lost to the Toronto Argonauts 47–23.
New Millennium Success (2000–2015)
In 1999, Roy Shivers became the general manager. He hired Danny Barrett as head coach. They were the first professional team with both a black general manager and head coach. The team struggled for a few years. But in 2002, they made the playoffs again. In 2003, they had their first winning record since 1994. They hosted the Grey Cup that year. They won their first playoff game against Winnipeg. But they lost the West Final, missing a chance to play in the Grey Cup at home.
In 2004, they lost a close West Final game in overtime. In 2006, Roy Shivers was fired. Danny Barrett's contract was not renewed. Even without a championship, they brought respectability back to the team.
2007 Grey Cup Champions
In 2007, Kent Austin became the head coach. Ken Miller was the offensive coordinator. The team started strong with a 7–2 record. They finished 12–6. They hosted and won their first home playoff game since 1976. Then, they beat the BC Lions in the West Final. This sent them to the Grey Cup.
On November 25, 2007, the Riders played the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 95th Grey Cup. This was the first time these rivals met in a Grey Cup game. Saskatchewan won 23–19! James Johnson was the MVP. Andy Fantuz was the Canadian MVP.
After the win, Kent Austin left to coach in the NCAA. Ken Miller became the new head coach. In 2009, quarterback Darian Durant led the team to their first West Division title since 1976. They reached the 97th Grey Cup against the Montreal Alouettes. Saskatchewan was leading 27–11 in the fourth quarter. But Montreal came back. Their kicker, Damon Duval, missed a field goal. However, Saskatchewan had too many men on the field. Duval got another chance and made it, winning the game 28–27 for Montreal.
The Roughriders celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2010. They wore retro red and black uniforms. They reached the 98th Grey Cup again, facing Montreal. They lost again, 21–18. Ken Miller retired after the 2011 season.
2013 Grey Cup Champions
In 2011, Corey Chamblin became the new head coach. In 2013, the Riders traded for six-time all-star Geroy Simon. The 2013 season started amazingly. The Roughriders went 8–1 in their first nine games. This was their best start ever. Running back Kory Sheets had a record-breaking start.
The 2013 season ended with an 11–7 record. They finished second in the West. They won their West Semi-Final game against the BC Lions. Then, they defeated the Calgary Stampeders in the Western Finals. This sent them to the 101st Grey Cup. This was special because the Grey Cup was held in Regina! The Roughriders defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 45–23. Kory Sheets was the MVP. He rushed for a Grey Cup record 197 yards. They were the third team in a row to win the championship on their home field.
The next few years were challenging. Key players left or got injured. In 2015, quarterback Darian Durant suffered a season-ending injury in the first game. The team struggled. After an 0–9 start, head coach Corey Chamblin and general manager Brendan Taman were fired.
Recent Years (2016–Present)
In December 2015, Chris Jones became the new head coach and general manager. He had just won the Grey Cup with the Edmonton Eskimos. Jones made many changes to the team roster. He left after the 2018 season.
Craig Dickenson's Era
Craig Dickenson took over as head coach in 2019. The Riders finished first in the West Division with a 13–5 record. However, they lost a close West Final game to their rivals, the Blue Bombers. The 2020 CFL season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the Riders returned to the playoffs. They won the West Semi-Final but lost to the Blue Bombers again in the West Final.
In 2022, the Riders missed the playoffs. However, the team became profitable again. This helped their finances after the pandemic. In 2023, they missed the playoffs again. Head coach Craig Dickenson's contract was not renewed.
Corey Mace Takes Over
Corey Mace became the team's 48th head coach on November 30, 2023. He had been a defensive coordinator for the Toronto Argonauts. Mace hired Marc Mueller as offensive coordinator. In his first season in 2024, the Riders started strong. They finished the regular season with a 9-8-1 record. This was enough to make the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
Fan Support and Traditions
Rider Nation
The Roughriders have one of the largest fan bases in the CFL. Fans are known as the "Rider Nation." They are very passionate about their team. When the Riders play away games, many fans travel to support them. People who have moved from Saskatchewan to other parts of Canada also cheer them on. Rider fans are famous for their unique costumes, like the watermelon helmet.
Fans have also supported the team through fundraisers. The "Friends of the Riders Touchdown Lottery" raised over $23 million for the team. This money was very important during tough financial times.
Section 28
At the old Taylor Field, Section 28 was a famous part of the East Side bleachers. Fans there were known for their strong loyalty to the Riders. They would stand for the whole game and be tough on opposing fans. This section used to be a discount area for university students.
Team Songs and Mascot
The Roughriders have several official songs. These include "Rider Pride" and "Paint the Whole World Green." Their touchdown song is "Green Is the Colour," adapted from a Chelsea Football Club song. "On Roughriders" is another popular song. During the fourth quarter, the song "The Last Saskatchewan Pirate" is played.
The official team mascot is Gainer the Gopher. He first appeared in 1977. "Gainer" is an anagram of "Regina." Gophers are common animals on the Canadian Prairies. After every Rider touchdown, Gainer is driven around the stadium. He gives high fives to fans in the first row.
Players of Note
Retired Numbers
The Roughriders have retired several jersey numbers to honor special players. Four numbers (40, 55, 56, 73) were retired after the tragic plane crash in 1956. Other retired numbers belong to legendary players who made huge contributions to the team.
| Saskatchewan Roughriders retired numbers | ||||
| No. | Player | Position | Tenure | Championships |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | Ron Lancaster | QB | 1963–1978 | 1966 |
| 34 | George Reed | RB | 1963–1975 | 1966 |
| 36 | Dave Ridgway | K | 1982–1995 | 1989 |
| 40 | Mel Becket | TE/C | 1952–1956 | – |
| 44 | Roger Aldag | OL | 1976–1992 | 1989 |
| 55 | Mario DeMarco | OL | 1953–1956 | – |
| 56 | Ray Syrnyk | OL | 1956 | – |
| 73 | Gordon Sturtridge | DE | 1953–1956 | – |
Plaza of Honour
The Saskatchewan Roughriders Plaza of Honour celebrates people who have made important contributions to the team. The first members were inducted in 1987.
Canadian Football Hall of Fame
Many players and staff from the Saskatchewan Roughriders have been inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. As of 2024, 51 people connected to the team are in the Hall of Fame.
Current Team Information
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| Italics indicate American player • Bold indicates Global player • 45 Roster, 20 Injured, 15 Practice, 3 Suspended Roster updated 2022-10-29 • Depth chart • Transactions • More CFL rosters |
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