Riders’ Alford reaches historic milestone during special season

Mario Alford finally hit the trifecta.

The 30-year-old returner took a punt 104 yards to the end zone in the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ 32-21 loss to the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday.

He previously this season had two kickoff returns for touchdowns as well as a missed field-goal return for a score as well.

Alford became the fifth player in CFL history to attain the returner hat trick in one season, joining Dominique Dorsey (Toronto Argonauts, 2007), Bashir Levingston (Argos, 2004), Marcus Thigpen (Hamilton Tiger-Cats, 2010) and Gizmo Williams (Edmonton Eskimos, 1990).

“I had (the accomplishment) in mind. Even though we were down — there was like 50-some seconds left on the clock — I just never quit and just showed what I was about and what type of player I am (on that punt return),” Alford said Wednesday after he was named the team’s nominee for the CFL award for most outstanding special-teams player. “I knew I had it once I broke those two tackles.

“I work hard and grinded for my time to come. Like I’ve said, if I stay healthy for a whole season, I’m a dangerous guy.”

Saskatchewan has a rematch with the Stampeders on Saturday to end its 2022 campaign. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. The Green Zone pre-game show begins at 4 p.m.

The Riders struck gold when they traded a sixth-round pick in the 2023 CFL draft to the Montreal Alouettes on July 3.

“I know (Montreal) sees it … It happens and it was a business decision — no love lost. I hope (they lost some sleep over it),” Alford said.

Saskatchewan head coach Craig Dickenson said he believes Alford should get consideration for the league-wide honour. Along with his scores, Alford is averaging 25.6 yards per kick return and 12.2 yards per punt return.

“He has four (touchdowns) on the year and he really brought a lot of energy and excitement to that return group,” Dickenson said. “I was thrilled we were able to get him and he’s not only been an outstanding football player on the field, he has been great in the locker room.

“He’s a real pro. It has been a pleasure coaching Mario.”

But the talented returner no doubt increased his stock with the outstanding season he has had and should draw interest from plenty of teams if the Riders don’t get him signed to a contract extension.

“We will see where the cards play. I want to be back here and we will see how the off-season goes and go from there,” Alford said.

“I’m sure a lot of other teams would like to have me also. I’ll just sit down with my family, make a decision and go from there.”