When it comes to winning the Gray Cup title again, Jermarcus Hardrick is the resident expert for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The 35-year-old offensive lineman had back-to-back starts with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2019 and 2021, starting a streak that has seen the team reach five straight CFL championship games. After re-signing with the Riders this week.He believes the team has what it takes to do the same.
“I do think we have a similar core,” Hardrick told Regina reporters. “I think we have a lot of hardworking guys. We have a lot of talented guys. We have guys who want to do it. We have a coach. We are in the right situation. It’s all about us earning (it).”
The Riders captured the fifth Gray Cup title in franchise history at home to the Bombers this past November, defeating the Montreal Alouettes at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg. It was Hardrick, who escaped from the Saskatchewan prairies in 2024, who was the first to lift the trophy over his head.
“It took me about a week to wake up (to myself). for real, man,” he said of the experience. “I didn't even know I did it. I watched the video; It seems that as soon as I took the trophy, all I did was shout: 'We did it. We did it. We did it.” It almost brought tears to my eyes. I just wanted to do this is for us and wanted us to do it. So that this emotion comes out and I'm the first to touch it, it was a special feeling.”
If the honor of being the first to lift the trophy was not sufficient recognition of his importance to the team, the efficiency with which he signed his new contract certainly was. General manager Jeremy O'Day quickly moved to block his stalwart right tackle through negotiations he called “very simple,” requiring just a few calls back and forth.
Throughout this process, Hardrick kept a close eye on the Riders' other pending free agents, including quarterback Trevor Harris. When the 39-year-old center signed a new contract with Saskatchewanthis made the decision much easier for an experienced blocker.
“I was probably going back, no matter what he was doing, but I was texting, I'm calling Trevor. We talked all the time and just wanted to make sure we got the band back. together as much as possible,” Hardrick said. – I'm not crazy; I know Trevor makes me look good, so if Trevor can come back, I want to come back. It wasn't difficult for me. I want to keep playing with Trevor.“
While Harris may be the centerpiece that makes the Riders' core worth repeating, Hardrick has a seasoned understanding of how to make it happen. Even if winning back the title is a stated goal for anyone signing a new contract like him, he cautions that the Bombers have typically left those discussions until after the parade.
He sees his job as reminding his teammates that repetition can only be achieved one step at a time.
“I know that right after the Gray Cupwe all talked about repetition and wanting to do it again. I just want to make sure I'm the right guy in the locker room saying, 'We have to win this day,'” Hardrick explained. “We have to win in December. We need to win the camp. We must win these meetings. Let’s not just think you’re going to show up and repeat.”
“Eat eight other great teams, 450 other great players. We must win this match. That's a lot things we need to win before we have a chance to win another Gray Cup. This will be mine the biggest thing. I'm pushing for it this year. We must win today. We can't win the Gray Cup if we don't do this. we win August if we don't win playoff games or make it to the playoffs. I'm looking forward to it.”
The Gray Cup isn't the only title Hardrick will have to defend in 2026 after being named CFL Most Outstanding Offensive Player last season.
A native of Batesville, Mississippi, the longtime… modeled his career after his former Winnipeg teammate Stanley Bryant.who won this award a whopping four times during the Bombers' tenure. However, he won't be disappointed if he fails to replicate success in this category, preferring to look at the bigger picture.
“I was in this league for 12, 13 years. I saw one guy say: and I was on his team. I haven't seen many guys repeat. It won't make or break me if I don't do it. repeat like MOOL,” he said.
“I just want to make sure I play better, get better and do what I need to do. the best for this team and make sure I have fun with the fans and the public. If I can win another one one, that would be great. Or if someone in my room can win, that will be good for me. But different ring and another Gray Cup parade in Regina? It works great for me.”
