It’s not like Ryder Varga has a list of those he seeks retribution against for perceived slights like Steve Buscemi’s character in “Billy Madison,” but he does have a long memory.
Case in point, the Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker has two CFL teams that he keeps in mind just a little more than the others.
The first one is the Toronto Argonauts, who released him in the offseason. The second one is the B.C. Lions, who shipped him east in January 2025. The Lions just happen to be Saskatchewan’s opponent Sunday.
“Whatever you’ve got to do to get yourself going mentally or physically for the game, you’re going to do,” Varga told Voice of the Roughriders Dave Thomas. “They traded me away. They didn’t think I was worth it to them. I’m going to do my best to show that maybe they should have kept me.”
It’s not like Varga hasn’t played against the Lions before. He was on the Argonauts roster when they faced them last August. It turns out, the irritation runs deep.
As much as he’d like to stick it to one of his old clubs, Varga just wants to keep making strides with his hometown team.
The Regina native signed with the Riders in May but started the season on the six-game injured list with a knee problem that ended his 2025 campaign prematurely.
The 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker played his first game in green and white on Aug. 1 in Edmonton. He’s appeared in three contests in total and is still looking to make his first statistical play on defence.
“I’m feeling better every week, just getting more comfortable,” Varga said. “A lot of the guys had the full training camp and the nine games to get better every week. I had to just get my knee back to 100 percent before I could start that process of getting better as a football player.
“I’m happy with where I’m at, but I’m excited to keep growing as the weeks go on.”
Part of being more comfortable is taking charge more often. Varga has been trying to take command of the punt cover team when he’s out there.
Being on the field has had its challenges compared to simply preparing.
“On the film, it looks really easy,” Varga said. “Everything is simple and seems to slow down. When you’re in the heat of battle, it’s hard to replicate how easy film is to watch and digest. Getting in those game reps and live reps, when you actually have to make the decision in a split second, is definitely more challenging than watching on the iPad.
“I’m happy with how we’ve progressed and how we’re coming together as a unit.”
That should come. Varga would like nothing more than for the next step to come Sunday against one of his disliked former teams.
As much as it annoys him that the Lions parted way with him, at least he’s in Regina playing for the team he rooted for as a child.
“I’m happy with how everything worked out,” Varga said.
