The emotion was palpable in Mitch Picton's voice as the Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver contemplated what playing in Sunday's 112th Grey Cup means to him and an entire province that has waited 12 years for this moment.
Homegrown Talent Living the Dream
For Regina native Mitch Picton, stepping onto the field for Sunday's championship game represents the culmination of a lifelong ambition. Drafted by his hometown team, the Roughriders receiver now has the opportunity he's dreamed of since beginning his football career.
"When I was drafted to this organization, it was a dream to bring a Grey Cup back to Saskatchewan," Picton shared during Saturday's media availability at Winnipeg's Princess Auto Stadium. "To have the opportunity to do that, it's very special. Looking back on my journey, this has just been the goal the entire time."
Family Support System
The significance of family support emerged as a central theme in Picton's reflections ahead of the big game. He acknowledged the sacrifices not only made by players but by their families who travel across the country to show their support.
"We certainly make sacrifices to play this game but I think about family making sacrifices for us," Picton expressed. "They're always there. They've been all over the country to come watch me play football. My parents, my brother and my wife; they're all very special to me."
The receiver anticipates seeing numerous Picton jerseys in the stands during Sunday's championship matchup against the Montreal Alouettes. In a heartwarming development, Picton learned Saturday that his cousin and former University of Regina Rams teammate, Noah Picton, would be making the trip to Winnipeg to support him.
Provincial Pride on the Line
The 112th Grey Cup carries weight far beyond the players on the field. For Saskatchewan residents, Sunday's game marks the first time in over a decade that their CFL team has competed for the championship. The Roughriders last won the Grey Cup in 2013, when Mitch Picton was in his rookie season with the University of Regina Rams.
Throughout the week in Winnipeg, players have discussed everything from game planning for the Alouettes to the personal significance of competing in Canadian football's premier event. Saturday's media availability underscored the magnitude of what Sunday's game represents for players and fans alike.
Picton, who returns to the lineup after sitting out last week's West final victory over the B.C. Lions, embodies the connection between community and athlete that makes the Grey Cup such a cherished Canadian tradition. As he takes the field Sunday, he'll be playing not just for a championship, but for everyone who helped him reach this pivotal moment in his career.
