Regina Pats trade scoring leader and captain Tanner Howe
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Tanner Howe was was the third youngest captain in the Regina Pats' history.
The 2023 Labour Day Classic will have a special meeting for Jaxon Ford.
Ford grew up in Regina and attended the annual CFL game between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers with his family and his grandfather Al Ford, who played for the Roughriders from 1965 through ’76.
“It’s always a big one here and it’s always packed,” Jaxon Ford said. “With my grandpa having season tickets, I’d always come with him and my grandma and enjoy the game.”
It was at those games where Al saw Jaxon’s interest in the game take shape.
“He was always eager to learn when we were sitting in the stands about why this play didn’t work or what maybe they should have done,” Al said. “In the early stages of his career, he became pretty football-wise and I think that really helped him as he progressed through the stages and moved up the chain to the tougher competition and making teams.”
Now Jaxon — a rookie safety with the Riders — will participate in his first Labour Day Classic as a player on Sunday. Kickoff for the game at Mosaic Stadium is set for 5 p.m.
“I’m pumped for it and so is everyone else – 35,000 people screaming and stuff. It’s going to be a fun one,” Ford said.
Having played for the Riders and then serving as their general manager, Al also knows how big of a game it is for the province as a whole.
“I think it’s such a tradition over the years and there have been so many great games,” Al said. “The Banjo Bowl (the rematch in Winnipeg) and the Labour Day Classic have become a part of the CFL and are really important for starting the drive towards the end of the season when the playoffs start.
“The Riders could use a victory here at home against Winnipeg. It will be lots of fun watching with a full house.”
Sports are in the family’s blood, no matter the sport.
“(We’re) a big sports family in general. I played hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer — everything growing up,” Jaxon said. “Football was the one that definitely resonated with me the most so I stuck with that.”
“I think the physicality and team-cohesion part of it (were important to me). In hockey, when one guy messes up, it’s not the end of the world. In football, it could be the end of the world – it could be a touchdown.”
Ford has been able to play football in his home city for his entire career. In high school he was a member of the Campbell Tartans and then he played Canada West football at the University of Regina.
“It means the world having that support from my family and friends here too. It’s great for sure,” Ford said.
Ford said his time with the Rams prepared him for the next level.
“Their coaching staff and the preparation they do day in and day out for their games definitely prepared me for the pros,” Ford said. “Canada West (teams) day in and day out, they have been putting together excellent players and they will continue to.”
As a member of the U of R Rams, he was in the stands selling 50/50 tickets during previous Labour Day Classic.
“I know it was packed and super-loud so it was fun to watch,” Ford said. “I wasn’t selling too much that game.”
Ford was taken by the Riders in the second round (11th overall) of the 2023 CFL draft.
“Since I was nine years old, it has been a true dream of mine. Going to my grandpa’s house and seeing a picture of him catching a touchdown at old Mosaic there, I think that’s where the dream (began),” Ford said after he was drafted.
He has since appeared in eight games for the Riders, recording four tackles and four special-teams tackles.
“He hits a lot more than I did, I can tell you,” Al said. “It’s hard to describe, but just seeing him out there and knowing what he has gone through and everything and how he has performed through playing with Campbell Collegiate and then coming to the Rams and playing there and now with the Riders (is a thrill).
“For him playing here in his home city, I think that’s a wonderful opportunity. It’s the same thing basically I had – I got to play where I grew up and learned football to start with and so I’m sure that over the years, he will hopefully have a long career and do really well.”
While Jaxon will look to enjoy a long career with the Riders, the only thing on his mind this week is helping the Green and White beat the Bombers for the first time since 2019.
“It’s been a different kind of energy since Day 1 here and we are definitely ready for this game and ready to take on Winnipeg,” he said.