Shemar Bridges’ first CFL touchdown was witnessed by Trevor Harris and several of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ quarterback’s friends and family members.

But they weren’t ecstatic over the ice-breaking major, given the differing allegiances that applied at the time.

Bridges hauled in a Bo Levi Mitchell aerial for a 16-yard major when the Roughriders visited the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on June 16, 2024.

The ice-breaking major took place before 22,313 spectators — including Harris’s parents (Tom and Suzanne), in-laws (Jim and Marie Denton) and several others who drove to Hamilton from Ohio to watch Trevor and his teammates play.

When the teams completed a home-and-home set eight days later at Mosaic Stadium, Bridges caught a 41-yard touchdown pass for the visiting Tiger-Cats.

It’s safe to say that his next major will receive a warmer reception from Rider Nation.

The newly signed Bridges practised with the Roughriders on Wednesday in preparation for Saturday’s home game against the Toronto Argonauts.

He was interviewed on Wednesday at the north end of Mosaic Stadium — not too far away from where he crossed the goal line for the first time as a visiting CFLer.

“I remember hushing the crowd because of how loud it was,” Bridges said with a laugh. “I remember being in this stadium. It was my first year here and I was like, ‘Wow. It’s crazy out here.’ That was kind of like my first taste of the CFL.

“I told my mom, ‘This is one of my favourite places to play,’ so it’s a full-circle moment, for sure.”

Bridges, who scored half of his touchdowns against Saskatchewan in 2024, was named the East Division’s Most Outstanding Rookie that year. He also earned divisional All-CFL honours after catching 83 passes for 933 yards in 15 regular-season games.

The 6-foot-4, 208-pounder played in all 18 regular-season contests last year with Hamilton, making 34 receptions for 361 yards and two majors.

“Change of position, change of role,” Bridges said when asked about 2025. “We had a great player like Kenny Lawler come in. There was Tim White and Kiondre Smith. They had great players over there (in the receiving corps).

“It just happened. I played my role and tried to be ready for my time when it came. I think I proved to everybody that I could do that. I went from getting a lot of targets to a couple of targets, but I was still being ready and still being the same me.

“That was the biggest thing for me — showing people the type of person I am and that I can handle any type of situation I’m put in.”

The Roughriders are facing an adverse situation due to injuries that have ravaged the receiving corps.

Two top-tier pass-catchers — Samuel Emilus and Kian Schaffer-Baker — are on the six-game injured list. Johnny Johnson III missed Wednesday’s practice due to a head injury he sustained on Sunday against the host B.C. Lions.

With the depth being tested, the arrival of a proven receiver such as Bridges is most timely.

“We’re glad he’s here,” Harris said. “He’s going to be a great receiver to add to the mix for us. I know our coaches will do a great job of highlighting what he does well, which is quite a bit.”

A highlight for Bridges is an opportunity to work with Harris after collaborating with another legendary passer — Mitchell — in Hamilton.

“Bo is like a brother to me,” Bridges said. “His daughters are like my nieces. His family is like family to me. I love him to death.

“He reached out to me as soon as the news hit (about joining the Roughriders). He made sure to put in a good work for me. I’m always thankful for him.

“Trevor’s a great dude as well, so I’m blessed to be able to play with those two guys, who have had Hall of Fame-type careers and won championships and done great things.

“I just keep my head down to work, stay humble, work every day, and be the same person. I think that’s why I earned respect.”

And, very soon, thunderous applause from the same crowd he once silenced.