It hasn’t taken Rider Nation long to flip from the elation in their Grey Cup celebration to pondering what the 2026 season may look like with several key pending free agents.
It hasn’t taken Rider Nation long to flip from the elation in their Grey Cup celebration to pondering what the 2026 season may look like with several key pending free agents.
Canadian Linebacker AJ Allen is one of them and is coming off the best season of his four-year pro career. He recorded 87 defensive tackles, four special teams tackles, three interceptions and three forced fumbles on his way to being named the Riders’ top Canadian in 2025.
The 27-year-old Allen was a fourth-round selection in the 2020 CFL draft and admits that he has had something to prove since entering the league.
“All I’m trying to do daily is prove myself right. So whatever standard that is, make sure you attain it, reach it. If you want to, if you’re a fourth-round pick, you’re a fifth-round pick, make sure you’re the best fifth-round pick in that class and so on. I wanted to be the best special team on the field. I achieved that, and now I’m trying to be the best defensive player on the field. So, we keep chasing goals, and that’s my best advice I can give you. Do something every day to prove yourself right.”
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