There’s no easy way to say goodbye in Riderville, and for Brett Lauther, this one still feels a little surreal.
After being released by the Saskatchewan Roughriders earlier this offseason, the veteran kicker has landed on his feet, signing with the Ottawa Redblacks, a move that brings both excitement and a sense of closure.
“Very exciting,” Lauther told the SportsCage. “As weird as that sounded, we’re super excited for something new and looking forward to the future.”
But make no mistake, this wasn’t a typical offseason decision.
For the first time in years, football wasn’t the only factor.
“It’s definitely been a very different off-season,” Lauther explained. “Not just making decisions on my own anymore with the family, kind of took some time away, wanted to go over everything.”
That pause came after being released from the Roughriders on February 2. For Lauther, Saskatchewan is a place where he didn’t just play, he built a life.
From Grey Cup glory to community visits across the province, Lauther became more than just a kicker. He became part of the fabric. And that’s what made the reaction from Rider Nation hit even harder.
“It means everything,” he said. “I’m forever thankful, definitely consider myself a Rider for life.”
It’s not lip service. Lauther met his wife in Saskatchewan. Started a family here. Built relationships that go far beyond football.
“I met some of my best friends for life here. People I’ll consider family for life,” he said. “It was the best times ever.”
That’s why this next chapter in Ottawa comes with mixed emotions.
There’s an opportunity. There’s a fresh start. There’s also the reality of lining up against the team that defined his career. And yes, he’s already thought about it.
“I’m looking forward to coming back and playing here even as a road kicker. That would be a cool experience.”
On the field, Lauther isn’t standing still. He’s spent the offseason making subtle but significant changes to his technique, including removing a longtime jab step in his approach, all in pursuit of greater consistency without sacrificing power.
Off the field, he’s balancing something new: football and family, together. And while the jersey will change, one thing won’t: the connection. Lauther may be headed to the nation’s capital, but Saskatchewan isn’t going anywhere.
“We’re still planning to get back here a lot,” he said. “It was the best run of my life.”
In Riderville, that feeling goes both ways.