Texas Native Jacob Brammer Finds Home in Saskatchewan After Grey Cup Victory
Saskatchewan Roughriders offensive lineman Jacob Brammer, standing at an imposing 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, has been experiencing more than just football success since joining the Canadian Football League. The Texas native recently signed a contract extension with the Riders following a championship season that culminated in Grey Cup glory and all-CFL honors.
From Texas Heat to Saskatchewan Cold
Brammer admits his transition to Saskatchewan winters has been significant. "It's been cold," the offensive lineman acknowledged, revealing that he recently purchased his first proper winter coat. "Last year I was just kind of surviving without one. I was like, 'alright, I might as well get one if I'm going to be up here full-time.'"
The Roughriders player attended the Winter Classic charity hockey game in Saskatoon both this year and last, though he remained firmly in the spectator role. "Never get to play," Brammer said with a laugh. "Being from Texas, don't really know how to skate. I'd be more of a harm to everyone else out there."
Grey Cup Revelation for American Player
For Brammer, winning the Grey Cup represented more than just a championship trophy. "Being from the States, I didn't know how big of a deal the Grey Cup was," he confessed. "Then after, when the clock finally hits zero, you get to see all the emotion run down on everyone's face who was born and raised here. It meant that much more to me — to see how much it meant to everyone, players and fans."
The offensive lineman and his teammates had the opportunity to see their names engraved on the Grey Cup trophy for the first time during their Saskatoon visit. "It means a lot, right?" Brammer reflected. "Everyone's battling throughout the whole year. It meant a lot to finally get to see it. It was cool."
Contract Extension and Team Commitment
Brammer's decision to extend his stay in Saskatchewan was influenced by multiple factors. "It was a big relief for me to get that," he said of his new contract. "I didn't really want to be everywhere else. I love Saskatchewan, love the people here, love our team and our coaches."
The offensive lineman praised head coach Corey Mace and the entire coaching staff for creating a positive work environment. "They make it easy to come to work every day," Brammer explained. "That, and you put together our offensive line group and really our whole team, everyone that we're able to bring back. It was kind of an easy decision for me once we got talking to them about a new contract."
Embracing Canadian Football Culture
Despite his initial unfamiliarity with Canadian football traditions, Brammer has fully embraced his role with the Roughriders. His journey from Texas to Saskatchewan represents more than just a geographical change—it's a cultural adaptation that has deepened his appreciation for the sport and its significance in Canadian society.
"I would have never thought it," Brammer said of his Canadian football career, "but I would never change it for anything else." His story highlights how international players can find both professional success and personal fulfillment in the Canadian Football League, contributing to the rich tapestry of the sport while adapting to life in a new country.
