Jamie Nye: Social media adds new wrinkle to Saskatchewan’s relationship with its QB

Cody Fajardo talking about social media needs a conversation.

It started way back when the Saskatchewan Roughriders lost both games to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and it popped up again in their two-game slide against Calgary. But even now, despite a win streak, Fajardo has made reference that it’s hard to see some of the things being said on social media.

Two things; one is more basic. Is Fajardo taking too much time thinking of what others have to say about him or the team?

The other is a deeper issue. Social media can be an enormous benefit that Fajardo himself has used well to engage a fan base and helped him become a fan favourite.

But there is also a danger. The notification button will never be all positive all the time. And the negative things that get said can sting and cause more thought than they deserve.

What I’m seeing is Fajardo may be learning the hard way what it’s like to be quarterback for the Roughriders. And with the rise in social media, he gets to experience the love and the hate at an entirely different level than Ron Lancaster or Kent Austin had to endure.