Albert Awachie becomes Roughriders' longest-tenured player after 100-game milestone

Albert Awachie has reached a significant milestone, becoming the longest-tenured current player for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and celebrating his 100th game with the team. Awachie joined the green and white squad as an undrafted free agent back in 2017, embarking on a journey he describes as a "long road" of perseverance.

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Being an undrafted player, it’s been a long road, just sticking at it one day at a time, believing in the process, being a part of this great management, so I’m really thankful and just happy.

"Being an undrafted player, it’s been a long road, just sticking at it one day at a time, believing in the process, being a part of this great management, so I’m really thankful and just happy," Awachie shared. Nearly a decade later, he continues to perform the crucial, often unnoticed, "dirty work" that is vital for winning games.

Throughout his tenure, Awachie has proven his invaluable versatility, contributing as a fullback, excelling on special teams, and serving as a veteran presence in the locker room. Head coach Corey Mace highlighted Awachie's reliability and willingness to adapt. "You know being an in line tight end, being an off-the-ball full back, you know, blocking responsibilities versus bigger people, it’s not an easy job," Mace said. "He’s never going to question anything. He’s going to go in there in, do it, you know, plays punt for us, plays K.O.R.’s (kick -off returns) for us and he’s on the depth chart dang near every special teams."

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You know being an in line tight end, being an off-the-ball full back, you know, blocking responsibilities versus bigger people, it’s not an easy job. He’s never going to question anything. He’s going to go in there in, do it, you know, plays punt for us, plays K.O.R.’s (kick -off returns) for us and he’s on the depth chart dang near every special teams.

Special teams coordinator Kent Maugeri praised Awachie's team-first mentality. "He’s the right type of guy, he’s a glue guy, he’s tough. He doesn’t mind doing the dirty work and not getting any credit for it, which I like. He kind of embodies that junkyard dog mentality where he’s fine sleeping outside … instead of being in the limelight," Maugeri commented.

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He’s the right type of guy, he’s a glue guy, he’s tough. He doesn’t mind doing the dirty work and not getting any credit for it, which I like. He kind of embodies that junkyard dog mentality where he’s fine sleeping outside … instead of being in the limelight.

Awachie's commitment to the team is unwavering. "Whatever a position needs for the team, then I’m ready to fill it so anything I can do for the team’s success," he added. While his individual statistics might not always capture the spotlight, Awachie's impact extends far beyond the numbers, embodying the dedication and grit that defines the Roughriders.

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Whatever a position needs for the team, then I’m ready to fill it so anything I can do for the team’s success.