4 Takeaways from Montreal and Saskatchewan’s Grey Cup Arrival
1. The Veterans Know What’s at Stake
The Grey Cup itself landed on Sunday, and by Monday the players followed suit — touching down at Winnipeg’s Richardson International Airport. As media duties began, Saskatchewan quarterback Trevor Harris found himself at the center of one of the week’s early storylines.
At 39, Harris is still searching for his first Grey Cup title as a starter, but he isn’t losing sleep over personal narratives. “It’d be awesome, sure,” he said, “but I’m more motivated by doing this with my teammates than anything about my career.”
He made a point to mention how much this would mean to his Saskatchewan-born teammates — players like Logan Ferland, Mitch Picton, Jorgen Hus, and offensive coordinator Marc Mueller — whose passion for the team runs deep. For Harris, this week is about finishing the job, not silencing critics.
2. A Different Kind of Motivation for Montreal
When Montreal lifted the Grey Cup in 2023, it capped a fairytale season that began with everyone writing them off. That “us against the world” mentality powered them — and Cody Fajardo’s fiery ‘bleep you, just watch’ speech became iconic.
But this year, things feel different. The Alouettes come into the Grey Cup as one of the league’s most respected teams. Head coach Jason Maas said the motivation now isn’t about proving people wrong — it’s about continuing to uphold the foundation they’ve built.
“That year it was FYJW,” Maas said. “Now it’s all about BAP — Be A Pro. Our guys show up, put in the work, and believe anything’s possible.”
3. Alexander’s Hamstring Won’t Keep Him Away
Quarterback Davis Alexander may be banged up, but he’s not backing down. After tweaking his hamstring in the East Final against Hamilton, he admitted the week ahead will be packed with rehab sessions.
“I’m gonna play — 100 percent,” he said confidently. “Probably four or five treatments a day.”
He hasn’t yet tested the injury on the field but made it clear that nothing will stop him from making his first Grey Cup start. The young pivot is embracing the moment — sore leg and all.
4. Emilus Ready for Redemption Against His Childhood Team
For Samuel Emilus, this Grey Cup carries extra meaning. The Roughriders receiver grew up cheering for Montreal — and still remembers being 12 years old when the Alouettes beat Saskatchewan in the infamous 2009 “13th Man” game.
“I was rooting for the Als back then,” he laughed. “Not this time.”
Now, at 28, Emilus is gearing up for his first Grey Cup — against the very team he once idolized. “It makes the experience even more special,” he said, adding that stars like S.J. Green and Jamel Richardson were his heroes growing up. This Sunday, he’s aiming to create new memories — and maybe erase that old heartbreak for Rider Nation.
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