Saskatchewan Roughriders midfielder Jamir Thurman got into social networks protect the interests of his teammate AJ Allen.
“CFL fans and the media are always talking about promoting homegrown Canadian talent, but it seems that's only for a select few. AJ Allen has been one of the best linebackers in the CFL this year and he has the numbers to back it up,” Thurman wrote.
“A guy who made a name for himself as a special teams ace for three years, leading the league in special teams tackles last year, and now starting to play defense at the All-CFL level. He put in the effort, waited for his chance and performed at a high level. It's time to give him the respect he deserves.”
Judging by the hashtags that accompanied his post, it appears that Thurman considers Allen a legitimate All-CFL team candidate, the most outstanding Canadian player and the most outstanding defender.
Allen was named Saskatchewan's nominee for Most Outstanding Canadian. on Wednesday, although Thurman won the award for Most Outstanding Defensive Player.
Allen was originally selected in the fourth round of the 2020 CFL Draft out of the University of Guelph. He first attended training camp with the Roughriders in 2021, but did not make the final roster and was sent back to school for his final year of U Sports eligibility.
The six-foot, 210-pound defensive end returned to Saskatchewan in 2022 and made the team, recording six defensive tackles and six special teams tackles. Over the next two years, he became a special teams ace, recording 19 special teams tackles in 2023 and 22 special teams tackles in 2024, both tied for first in the CFL that year.
Allen started two games for the Roughriders in 2024 and became a full-time starter at weakside linebacker in 2025. This season he has 84 defensive tackles, three tackles for loss, four sacks, three interceptions and three forced tackles. The 27-year-old ranks second on the team in defensive tackles, second in tackles for loss, fifth in sacks, third in interceptions and first in forced fumbles.
Native of Burlington, Ontario. supported Thurman's statement by posting the following on his own page on social networks.
“I'm not one to talk about stuff like that, but that's why you have friends and teammates like Jameer,” Allen wrote.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-5) will host the BC Lions (10-7) on Saturday, October 25, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 pm ET. Lions beat Edmonton Elks and can finish second in the West Division by beating Saskatchewan, while Roughriders lose sloppy game in Winnipeg.
The weather forecast for Regina calls for a high of 19 degrees with sunny skies. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune in to 730 CKNW in Vancouver and 620 CKRM in Regina.
Editor's note: Thurman's statement has been lightly edited for clarity.
