Riders’ Jovon Johnson delivers back-to-school supplies

Fresh off a fourth victory in a row this weekend, the Saskatchewan Roughriders spent Monday earning a win off the field.

Riders’ DB Jovon Johnson was in Saskatoon handing out backpacks full of supplies to kids at schools around the city.

After coming up with the idea ahead of back-to-school, he said he was enjoying the chance to give back during a visit to Princess Alexandra school in Riversdale.

“For us, it’s bigger than the game of football. It’s not about what we do on the field, what you’re legacy will stand for is what you do off of it.”

Kids at Princess Alexandra school get backpacks full of school supplies from members of the @sskroughriders. #CKOM pic.twitter.com/0ykGEdGaCI

— Bryn Levy (@BrynLevy) September 10, 2018

Along with the backpacks and school supplies, Johnson also spoke about his own experiences growing up in Erie, Pennsylvania, and not always having everything he needed. He encouraged kids to be focused on their studies and to try and surround themselves with positive influences.

“Those hardships that I had and faced growing up made it more important for me to be successful with this platform, use it to motivate and give other people an opportunity that I didn’t have,” Johnson said.

Johnson was joined by Bruce Thompson, a wide receiver currently on the Riders’ negotiation list.

Thompson only arrived in Saskatchewan a month ago, but said Monday showed him the place the team holds across the province.

“It’s very important, especially to have them in the community, just giving back  and not just doing it to say you did it, but doing it out of love.”

And while he may have been the one handing out presents, Thompson said the experience left him feeling thankful.

“We really just appreciate this moment. It’s not just a moment, it’s a memory and it’s the start of a legacy,” he said.

Johnson’s initiative has seen 500 backpacks handed out between Regina and Saskatoon. He also issued a challenge to other teams around the CFL to take part, with several players around the league joining in.