James Letcher is embarking on a new journey with the Saskatchewan Roughriders after signing with the team in February. The 26-year-old kick returner, who spent his first three CFL seasons with the Montreal Alouettes, is eager to make an impact in his new environment.
Fresh Start in Saskatchewan
“New city, new province, new team, new players, new coaches — I’m enjoying it,” said Letcher. “I think green is my favourite colour now.” The Roughriders decided to move on from veteran returner Mario Alford in the off-season, creating an opportunity for Letcher. After being released by the Alouettes on Feb. 2, Letcher agreed to terms with Saskatchewan the following day.
Impressive Return Stats
Standing at 5-foot-7 and weighing 180 pounds, the Kansas City native has accumulated 1,744 punt return yards with two touchdowns and 1,680 kick return yards over 30 career games with Montreal. In 2024, Letcher led the league with 2,287 combined return yards. Last season, despite being limited to nine games due to injury, he returned 39 punts for 428 yards and 19 kicks for 476 yards, while also recording five catches for 42 yards and a touchdown.
Preparing for the Season
Letcher did not see game action in Saskatchewan’s two pre-season contests, as the team opted to rest key players ahead of the regular-season opener on June 13 against the B.C. Lions. “They know how to take care of their players to make sure we’re really go whenever the time comes,” said Letcher. “It’s always good to be out there and get some reps in but if the coach wants to see some other guys get in and let them spin for a few, then that’s fine with me.”
Offensive Ambitions
Although primarily a returner, Letcher hopes to see more action on offence this season. In his 30 career regular-season games, he has nine receptions and three carries. “It’s always good to show them what I can do, more than just returning,” he said. “They saw it a little bit in the game, although I didn’t get a pass, they saw me running around a little bit, and I’m doing that in practice as well. Hopefully they’re continuing to see what I can do on offence as well.”
Training Camp Experience
This year’s training camp was a stark contrast to Letcher’s first camp with Montreal in 2023, when he arrived late and worked to make a strong impression in pre-season games. That season, he started on the practice roster before earning his opportunity after an injury to Chandler Worthy. “I came in late to camp, so I was just trying to make a good impression in the pre-season games,” recalled Letcher. “So being on that bubble … it’s definitely nerve-racking.”
