Saskatchewan Roughriders kick returner Mario Alford (2) is tackled by Toronto Argonauts linebacker Jack Cassar (45) during the first half of CFL football action in Regina, Sask., on Saturday, October 21, 2023. The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed Alford to a one-year extension Thursday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu
REGINA – Mario Alford is staying put.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed the veteran receiver/returner to a one-year extension Thursday. He was slated to become a free agent next month.
The five-foot-nine, 182-pound Alford returned 88 punts for 978 yards and three touchdowns last season, tying the Riders’ single-season record for return scores.
He also recorded 51 kickoff returns for 1,181 yards and finished third overall in all-purpose yards with 2,266.
In 2022, Alford was the CFL’s top special-teams player after establishing a Saskatchewan single-season record for most return touchdowns (four).
Alford joined the Riders on July 3, 2022 in a trade with the Montreal Alouettes. He began his CFL career with Toronto in 2018 but was released the following season, joining the Als later that year.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 4, 2024.
