‘I love football’: Riders’ Shea Patterson to make first CFL start

Shea Patterson is used to big moments.

The 27-year-old quarterback played two seasons at Ole Miss with the Rebels and then a pair of seasons with the Michigan Wolverines. Playing at those big programs has helped prepare him for his first CFL start which will come Thursday when the Riders host the Toronto Argonauts at Mosaic Stadium. Kickoff for the game is set for 7 p.m,

“The first couple games I played at Michigan, it was a dream come true. I used to go there all the time as a kid and used to take the bus ride and see the guys go into the stadium so it was full-circle kind of,” Patterson said. “Just having that atmosphere and being in that atmosphere over the last really eight years, it gets me ready for playing in a place like this.

“I think this is the best stadium and organization in the league and I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else.

Patterson will lead the Riders after incumbent starter Trevor Harris suffered what the team calls a moderate MCL injury in the team’s win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on June 23.

Harris, 38, had thrown for 872 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions while getting the Riders to a 3-0 record.

“It’s just an opportunity for me to step in and lead. Just go in as a leader and try to lead these guys up and down the field,” Patterson said. Just be ready for the moment like I have been.

“Trevor has done a heck of a job as far as me watching him prepare and see how he goes about his day. I’ve learned a lot from him.”

Patterson has been a member of the B.C. Lions and Montreal Alouettes — both during 2021 — before he went to play in the USFL with the Michigan Panthers and New Orleans Breakers.

Patterson joined the Riders in 2022 and has mostly been used in the short-yardage position.

Patterson came into the Riders’ last game once Harris was hurt, only completing four of 10 passes for 41 yards.

“Nowhere near my expectation at all. It was a weird situation to go into but I was just trying to go in and manage the game and not do anything too crazy,” Patterson said. “Our defence is going to make plays and special teams is going to make plays so that was my mindset going into the game — just keep the ball rolling.”

Patterson will look to keep the Riders’ hot start going while getting the chance to show what he can do when given the reins of a CFL club.

“I love the game, I love football. I don’t have too many hobbies outside of football other than hanging out with friends and family. This is kind of what I’m ready for,” Patterson said.

Notes: Slotback Shawn Bane Jr. once again missed practice due to personal reasons.