Murray Wood: Riders are proof the family that plays together also wins together
Murray Wood says the Saskatchewan Roughriders are a family team in ways that most teams can't match, with multiple gener...
Alan Ford has won Grey Cups with the Saskatchewan Roughriders both as a player and an executive, and now he’s looking on with pride as his grandson hoists the trophy as well.
Jaxon Ford, the Riders’ third-year defensive back and special teamer, won his first Grey Cup on Sunday as Saskatchewan beat the Montreal Alouettes 25-17.
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“It’s very nice to win it, and it’s not so nice when you come home without it,” Ford said.
“I’m very proud of the effort the guys put out, and the coaching staff made some great choices, so I was pretty pleased with what went on.”
Now retired, the former Green and White general manager said it was a special moment to witness his grandson winning the CFL’s ultimate prize.
“He’s been a really good football player his whole life,” Alan said.
“To win a Grey Cup in your third year, lots of things have to go right. And he was, I’m sure, very proud of his teammates, because that’s the kind of kid he is.”
Defensive back Jaxon Ford won his first Grey Cup on Sunday. (Saskatchewan Roughriders)
With two Grey Cup winners in the family, Alan joked that they’ll have to compare the sizes of their championship rings.
“If he gives me too much grief about winning a Grey Cup, I’ll have to tell him I’ve outscored him so far, so we’ll see what happens,” Alan said.
Other Rider family members watching with pride on Sunday were Derek and Cheryl Picton, the parents of wide receiver Mitch Picton.
As lifelong Rider fans, the game was already an exciting moment for the couple, along with the added stakes of wanting their son to succeed. But in the end, they were left feeling joy and relief.
“We’re just overjoyed, and we’re just incredibly proud of Mitch and the whole team,” Cheryl said. “And Mitch has just worked so hard for this for so many years. He’s been so dedicated, and we’re just so very proud of him.”
Derek said the Riders have always played a big role in the family, as his own parents held season tickets since 1977.
“I’ve been to all the games growing up with them. I’ve grown up with them, and now Mitch has grown up with them. It’s just unbelievable for all of us,” he said.
Cheryl added that it was a privilege for Mitch to have been drafted by the Roughriders.
“It’s just been incredible that he’s been able to play his whole career so far with the Riders, and that he was drafted by the Riders. To be drafted by your hometown team, I think there’s nothing like it,” she said.
“We are just feeling incredibly thankful that he’s been able to play at home and that we’ve all been able to support him along the way. It’s just been fantastic.”
Derek also expressed optimism about the team’s future.
“Coach Mace, the team and everybody are just a fantastic group,” he said.
“They’re amazing at Xs and Os and coaching football, and the culture they create in the locker room is amazing. That’s how you win.”
