Trevor Harris has been here before.
The last time the veteran quarterback played in a Grey Cup was back in 2018, leading the Ottawa Redblacks into battle against Calgary. That night, it was the Stampeders who came out on top, winning 27-16 at Commonwealth Stadium.
Six years later, Harris finds himself in a familiar spot preparing for the biggest game of the year, but with a very different feel.
“I know what to expect, but it's just going to be football Sunday — I can't wait for it. I know a lot of times these types of weeks are more or less the build-up to game day. I'm truly looking forward to sinking my teeth into the film and getting the prep going.”
This Grey Cup is personal to Harris this time around, but not because of legacy or pressure, it's about who Harris is playing for.
“Truthfully, I love this team. The more that you love your brothers, the more that you love each other in the locker room… I look back at my teammate Sam Emilus, I want to see him hoist that cup over his head. What he’s gone through with injuries, how hard he’s fought. He’s such a great football player who hasn’t gotten the respect he deserves.”
Harris also saluted Saskatchewan players on the roster who grew up dreaming of this moment.
“I think about Logan Ferland, Mitch Picton, Jorgen Hus, Marc Mueller — the Saskatchewan guys. I saw the joy in their faces after we won the West Final and they realized they were going to the Grey Cup for the first time in green and white. It’s been 12 years since the Riders were in the cup. To finish the job is what motivates me, not anything to do with my career.”
Now in his 13th CFL season, the 39-year-old isn’t worried about the pressure to get a Grey Cup in the later stages of his career.
“I really have never felt pressure. I go with the moment, play football, do what I’m supposed to do. Pressure is what you put in tires, I guess. I go out there and play ball."
One narrative encountered by Harris in his media session upon arrival in Winnipeg: the focus on him trying to secure his first Grey Cup title as a starting quarterback.
“It would mean that we did it as a team. I totally get it, I’ve been around a while and have been here a couple of times now. It would be awesome, but I’d be more excited to celebrate with my teammates than anything else. I don’t feel like moments have ever been too big for me.”
For Harris, born in Waldo, Ohio, it’s not just about football; it’s about the people in the province of Saskatchewan.
“I know that there’s only been four [Grey Cups] and we want to get the fifth one. People like Rob Vanstone (Riders’ senior journalist and chief historian), I know he’s not suiting up with us, but he’s one of those people I think about hoisting that cup over his head. He’s just as much a Rider as any of us. The people who’ve been with this organization for years: the staff, the trainers, the people upstairs and downstairs — we want to win it for them, too.”
After a boisterous crowd attended a team send-off at Mosaic Stadium, Harris, who is in his third season with the Riders, shared the bond with the fans is what makes this experience special.
“We’re all in this together, and the whole province of Saskatchewan is behind us. You can feel it. I’m excited for us to get it teed up this Sunday.”
The Saskatchewan Roughriders meet the Montreal Alouettes in the 112th Grey Cup, the third championship meeting between the two franchises. Kickoff goes Sunday with the 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network bringing you Countdown to Kickoff starting at 2 p.m.
