Even on a rare bad day, A.J. Allen is in a great mood.

So imagine what it is like to be the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ No. 32 these days — enjoying another standout season for a team that has already clinched first place overall in the CFL.

“Honestly, I’m having one of the best years of my life,” the 27-year-old weak-side linebacker, he of the omnipresent smile, said after the 12-4 Roughriders practised at Mosaic Stadium on Wednesday.

“Life-wise, family-wise, football-wise and in my relationship, I’m having one of the best years of my life. It’s really humbling.

“I’m just blessed to be here, to be a Rider, and to have this happen here. It’s incredible. Nothing but praise and love for everyone around me here.”

A fourth-year Roughrider, Allen was the CFL’s co-leader in special teams tackles (with 22) last season.

He also started twice at linebacker, making the most of the first front-line assignment by returning an interception 48 yards for a touchdown on the second play from scrimmage.

The former University of Guelph Gryphons standout has followed up in 2025 with three more interceptions — including one in each of the past two games — to go with four sacks and 75 defensive tackles.

The latter total places him 10th in the league and second among Canadians.

Allen is also second on the Roughriders in defensive tackles.  Middle linebacker Jameer Thurman leads the way with 81.

Thurman, C.J. Avery (weak side) and C.J. Reavis (strong side/cover) formed the Roughriders’ troika of starting linebackers to begin the regular season. However, Avery suffered a bicep injury in the opener, creating a sizable void that Allen has filled.

“Going into the off-season, we kind of saw the trajectory of the player he could be on defence,” Head Coach and Defensive Co-ordinator Corey Mace said. “We all knew the type of player he was when it comes to special teams — one of the elite players in the league. We knew the skill set that he had to help us win football games.

“Unfortunately, C.J. Avery went down early in the season. A.J. had a good camp and he had to step in. He has done a phenomenal job.

“It was crucial for our football team to be able to put somebody out there who you have faith in and the guys have trust in and still be able to go out there and excel … and he has done that.

“He has taken his opportunity and run with it.”

That was the objective all along.

“A lot of times, you see people getting that opportunity from special teams,” Allen said. “In this case, it’s me. It happens to a lot of people.

“It was just a matter of controlling what I can control. I can’t control whether I’m on defence or not, but I’m going to be ready when the chance comes.

“It was also about being able to prove myself right — whether I’m going to be the best special teams player on this team, on this field, at all times, or I’m going to be the best linebacker I can be.

“For me, that’s kind of the mindset. I can’t control whether I play or not. I am in control of my effort and my execution and attention to detail.

“That’s all I am trying to focus on — just being the best me and proving I am who I say I am on a daily basis.”

Mission accomplished.

Allen has a team-high 96 defensive plays — a total that includes the aforementioned statistics, along with special teams tackles (four), pass knockdowns (four), forced fumbles (three) and tackles for a loss (three).

Most recently, he had a team-high seven defensive tackles to go with an interception and a sack to help the Roughriders defeat the visiting Toronto Argonauts 27-19 last Friday and secure hosting privileges for the Western Final (Nov. 8, 5:30 p.m., Mosaic Stadium).

What could be better?

“Even more plays,” Allen stated. “There’s always more out there. More tackles. More tackles for a loss. More sacks. More interceptions.

“Also, being in a position to help my teammates — being able to help Thurm out or Scoop (defensive end Malik Carney) or whoever needs help and being able to uplift my teammates and help them make plays as well.

“And finally … win the Grey Cup. That’s the be-all, end-all goal, along with going 1-and-0 each week.”