Due to a lingering back injury, Saskatchewan Roughriders' kicker Brett Lauther hasn't been able to practice like he usually does.
"Not to make an excuse, but I've been dealing with some more serious back stuff throughout the year. I really didn't even practice the last three months of the season. I was trying to play games to get through it, so I've been dealing with the doctors and trainers a lot since then," Lauther said on the SportsCage.
"We're getting back to where I was. I was okay last week to start doing some stuff in the gym and maybe getting on the ice and progressing. Hopefully next month, I can get to kicking again."
In 2025, Lauther played 16 regular season games for Saskatchewan. He made 72.2 percent of his field goals, the lowest percentage of his career since 2013 when he made 60 percent with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. During the 112th Grey Cup, the veteran kicker managed to hit three extra points and made one out of his two field goal attempts as he won the first championship in his CFL career.
"There's still some big dates and potentially some stuff to work out with the team to even be playing next year," Lauther said. "It wasn't my best season, I think everyone knows that, but for now, training and keeping things the same. Controlling what I can control."
Even if Lauther knew himself that it wasn't his best season, that didn't change how he interacted with the media.
"It's part of the job. I'm very fortunate that I never take a day for granted that I get to wear green. I'm not just saying this, I love being out here and moved my life out here. I met my wife out here," Lauther pointed out.
"I had my baby out here. I'm a Rider for life regardless, and that's part of the job. It's how it should be, especially with the community-owned team. I appreciate you guys just as much."
Besides Lauther detailing his love for Saskatchewan, he also shared a glimpse of his schedule since becoming a father last year to his daughter, Townes.
"As I said, there are so many things on the go with being a dad, the Players' Association work. I'm on a call after this and going to get on the ice tonight," Lauther said. "Taking it one day at a time and getting ready, but I think all of us want to run it back and don't see any reason why we couldn't."
Moving to something that Lauther cares deeply about, the Roughrider Foundation Winter Classic. He explained how the charity hockey game got started.
"I got into the mentorship program that the CFL and CFLPA started the first year. Craig Reynolds gave me a call because he wanted to know how it was going to go and to learn more about it. I randomly pitched this idea; it's something I used to do back home with my buddies, on a much smaller scale. I organized it, renting the ice, getting some beers, having some pizza after for the guys, and getting everyone together," Lauther recalled.
"I was lucky enough to get involved with Cindy [Fuchs] and the Rider Foundation. They were crazy enough to let me run with it, and then now, how much money we raise, the sponsors, and everyone that's getting involved."
When it comes to the Rider Foundation, it is bigger now than when Lauther first participated.
"We started off with one or two of us, we're up to 14 players that are here staying in and out in the off-season. Years ago, no one would stay besides the local guys and me. I would talk to guys like Chris Getzlaf, I would talk to guys like Andy Fantuz, and guys back in the day when they're winning," Lauther said.
"I think it's really important for guys to be staying in a community-owned province, trying to give back, and I feel like this is how you win. Guys like coach Mace and J.O., and these guys get it. But now that we're getting more guys staying in the province, I think it translates to what's happening on the field as well."
All proceeds from the Winter Classic will go to the Riders Win with Wellness program.
"You still want to put out a good show for the fans that come to it. The main thing is, you're there for a reason: it's to raise money for the kids in the province and to try to give back," Lauther explained.
"You see, in the last five minutes of the game, maybe things pick up and get a little more competitive. The last thing we want any year is a blowout one way or the other. I always joke around with Chris or others, saying letting them win last year wouldn't be fun if I won every year, but this year it's back to business."
Overall, Lauther leads the series, winning the first two, and last year was the first time his team lost to Getzlaf 9-6. The fourth Rider Foundation Winter Classic will be on Saturday, January 31 in Saskatoon at Merlis Belsher Place, puck drop is at 1 p.m.
