Every game, don’t miss Barney Shynkaruk’s Behind the Facemask — a closer look at your favourite Saskatchewan Roughriders.
This week: Roughriders defensive back Jaxon Ford.
Barney Shynkaruk:
All right, it’s Behind the Facemask this week with Regina’s own Jaxon Ford.
The Queen City Ex is happening right next door, so I’ve got to ask — what’s your go-to ride?
Jaxon Ford:
Honestly?
I like the Wild Mouse. That one’s always fun.
The Zipper is great too, even though it’s pretty scary.
And the Polar Express. You can’t go wrong with that one.
Barney:
If you could head over there right now, what’s the first thing you’re eating?
Jaxon:
Mini donuts.
Come on, man.
They’ve got so many different flavours now. I heard they even have a Cookies and Cream one this year.
Barney:
Do you remember your very first football game as a kid?
RMF?
Jaxon:
Yeah, for sure.
I played for the Cats.
I was the field corner because I couldn’t tackle and I wasn’t very athletic.
Barney:
Do you remember who your coach was?
Jaxon:
Honestly… I couldn’t tell you.
That’s a tough one.
Barney:
Let's go to Campbell Collegiate.
Were you guys any good?
Jaxon:
We were deadly.
Absolutely deadly.
In Grade 12, we won the provincial championship.
Barney:
Did you ever get recruited by friends to go to LeBoldus or Miller, or were you trying to get them to come to Campbell?
Jaxon:
Actually, I went to Connaught School, so my feeder school was Sheldon.
I was supposed to go there.
The only way I got into Campbell was by using my grandparents' address in the south end.
I ended up being the only kid from my school to go to Campbell.
I didn't know anybody my first year.
I actually got cut from the football team in Grade 9.
I went back, played RMF, came back in Grade 10, made the team, and the rest is history.
Barney:
What other sports did you play?
Jaxon:
Pretty much everything.
Lacrosse.
A little soccer when I was younger.
Hockey.
Baseball.
I think the more sports you play, the more athletic you become.
Barney:
If football wasn't your path, what sport would you have pursued?
Jaxon:
Probably baseball.
Barney:
What about a career outside of sports?
Jaxon:
I'd probably be an accountant.
Barney:
Let's say the coaches tell you you're playing three snaps on offence this week.
What position are you choosing?
Jaxon:
Wide receiver or running back.
I'd be good with either one.
Line me up in a four-by-one set and throw me a fade.
I don't think they'd expect that.
Maybe even a sluggo route.
Barney:
Do you remember the 2007 Grey Cup?
You would've been about seven years old.
Jaxon:
I don't really remember that one.
I remember the 2022 Grey Cup against Hamilton.
I was watching it here.
That was awesome.
Afterward, everyone was out celebrating in the streets.
It was a fun night.
Barney:
Favourite football movie?
Jaxon:
That's a tough one.
There are a lot of good ones.
I'd probably go with Friday Night Lights.
Barney:
If you could intercept one legendary quarterback, CFL or NFL, who would it be?
Jaxon:
CFL — Anthony Calvillo.
NFL — Josh Allen.
That would be pretty cool.
Barney:
Western Pizza is a big supporter of the SportsCage and the Roughriders.
What's your order?
Jaxon:
Big pepperoni and cheese pizza.
And you've got to get the BLT.
Barney:
What was your first car?
Jaxon:
A Fiat 500.
Believe it or not.
Barney:
First job?
Jaxon:
Baseball umpire.
That was a fun one.
A tough one, but fun.
Barney:
Last one.
You can only choose one.
A roof on Mosaic Stadium or an overpass on Ring Road?
Jaxon:
I don't mind the open roof here.
I'd take the overpass.
Barney:
Jaxon Ford, thanks for doing this.
Jaxon:
That was awesome.
Thanks for having me.
