Roughriders hopeful Matthew Sexton waits for roster decision

For Saskatchewan Roughriders hopeful Matthew Sexton, the waiting is just beginning.

The receiver and return specialist spent the last few weeks fighting for a roster spot, making plays in the pre-season and trying to prove he belongs in green and white. Now, with final roster decisions looming, all he could do was wait for a phone call.

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“There’s definitely some nerves, for sure,” Sexton said. “It’s a little bit of anxiousness, you know, just because it’s the unknown.”

The 28-year-old has spent time bouncing around professional football, including making stops in the NFL, and understands better than most how quickly opportunities can appear and disappear.

Still, he said he tries to view the situation as a privilege rather than a burden.

“A lot of people feel like that’s a negative, but it’s not,” Sexton said. “It’s a blessing to be in our position. I don’t take it for granted.”

Sexton helped his cause during camp by showing versatility.

While receivers are often judged by catches and touchdowns, Sexton believed one of his biggest strengths came on special teams.

“I take a lot of pride in that,” he said. “I like special teams a lot.”

The former college defensive player laughed as he explained that he still enjoys the physical side of football.

“I like hitting people. I like tackling people,” Sexton said. “Not only returner, I like to run down on kickoff, punt. I did all through college.”

That versatility may prove valuable as coaches work through difficult roster decisions.

The CFL game also suits his style.

Unlike American football, where players can signal for a fair catch, CFL returners are expected to make plays.

“There’s no fair catch, so it gives us as returners a lot of opportunity every game,” Sexton said. “I love it.”

Those opportunities have become even more meaningful in recent days as Sexton earned chances to work alongside Saskatchewan’s starters.

The experience provided a glimpse of what life on the final roster could look like.

“It’s been honestly a fresh breath of air,” he said. “With everybody kind of knowing what’s going on and stuff like that.”

His NFL experience also helps ease the transition to Canadian football. Sexton said that moving between organizations taught him to absorb new playbooks, terminology, and offensive systems quickly.

Now, all of that preparation rested in the hands of the coaching staff.

And if the call goes his way?

“It would mean the world,” Sexton said.

He paused before looking around Mosaic Stadium.

“I love it here. It’s a great place. Look at the place we’re standing in right now. It’s a beautiful place, beautiful area. I love the people out here. It’s a great fan base.”

Rosters must be in by 10 p.m. local time Saturday.

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