Former Rider QB Durant back in shape in case CFL team calls

It might not be the end of Darian Durant’s CFL story yet.

The former Roughrider quarterback told the Green Zone’s Jamie Nye that he started getting back in shape last year in case a CFL team requested his services.

“I’ve been working out almost every day just making sure I was ready just in case that call came or the decision was made for me to make a play late in the season,” he said Thursday afternoon.

Durant called it quits ahead of the 2018 CFL season, rattling Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans who were upset he took a signing bonus and retired.

At the time, Durant had just become a father and “found out my wife couldn’t make it out to Winnipeg … for the season” causing him to reevaluate his future in football.

Former Roughriders football operations boss and head coach Chris Jones famously traded Darian Durant to Montreal after a 5-13 season in 2016.

At the time Jones told the Regina Leader-Post that Durant’s career was moderately successful.

But when asked for his thoughts about Jones departure to the NFL, Durant said he wasn’t surprised by Jones’ decision.

“He did what was best for him, his family, his career and you can’t fault that,” the quarterback said, adding these types of decisions happen all over the CFL for both players and coaches.

Durant will be returning to the province he calls his second home this weekend to take part in a promotion with the Saskatchewan Rush.

“The reception I get (in Saskatchewan) has always been wonderful,” Durant said. “Coming back is always a great thing.”

The Rush play the Rochester Knighthawks at 7:30 at the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon.