The Saskatchewan Roughriders' 2023 season has officially concluded, but the drama of the CFL playoffs continues to captivate Rider Nation. As the team watches from the sidelines, an intriguing question emerges: who are the green and white cheering for this championship weekend?
A Divided Rider Nation
With Saskatchewan eliminated from playoff contention, players and fans alike find themselves in unfamiliar territory—spectators during the most crucial games of the season. The absence of their beloved team from the postseason has created a fascinating split in allegiances across the province.
Several Roughriders players have broken their silence about their playoff preferences, revealing surprising alliances and long-standing friendships that transcend team rivalries.
Western Rivalries and Eastern Hope
The Western Final presents a particular challenge for Rider faithful. The matchup between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and BC Lions forces fans to choose between traditional rivals.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers: Some players point to the Manitoba connection, with several Roughriders having previously played for Winnipeg or maintaining close relationships with Bombers players.
BC Lions: Others lean toward supporting the Lions, citing the appeal of seeing a different team represent the West in the Grey Cup after Winnipeg's recent dominance.
Eastern Conference Preferences
The Eastern Final between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Montreal Alouettes offers clearer choices for some Roughriders. Montreal appears to be gathering more support in the locker room, with players admiring the Alouettes' resilience and coaching staff.
One veteran player noted, "You develop relationships across the league during your career. Sometimes you're cheering for the person more than the logo on the helmet."
The Bigger Picture
Beyond personal connections, many Roughriders are watching the playoffs with professional interest. Studying the championship contenders provides valuable insights into what separates playoff teams from those watching at home.
As one coach observed, "These games are a masterclass in playoff football. We're all students of the game, regardless of who's playing."
The divided loyalties within Rider Nation reflect the complex relationships and competitive spirit that make the CFL such a unique and tightly-knit community.
