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“Fatherhood has changed me because I know now that everything isn’t just about me,” said Jefferson, 27, who’s in his third season with the Riders. “I have to look after somebody now and protect somebody else.”

Chris Jones, the Riders’ head coach and general manager, has known Jefferson since the lanky defensive end signed with the Edmonton Eskimos in 2014. Jones was Edmonton’s head coach in 2014 and 2015 and he has watched Jefferson grow into a bona-fide CFL star on and off the field.

“He has always had that tremendous athleticism,” Jones said. “Sometimes he would pick and choose (his spots) and that kind of thing. He has become more consistent with his play and being physical all of the time. He’s a tremendous athlete and I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

It’s hard to miss the 6-foot-6 Jefferson. At 245 pounds, he is lean for a defensive end, but makes up for it with speed and athleticism.

He has exhibited those traits while returning two interceptions for touchdowns this season, in addition to recording nine sacks.

His first pick-six was during a 32-27 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sept. 8. With the Riders trailing 10-0, he intercepted a Matt Nichols pass and returned it 97 yards for a second-quarter touchdown.

Saturday’s game against the Blue Bombers marks Saskatchewan’s first trip to Winnipeg since Jefferson’s game-changing touchdown.

On Monday, Jefferson intercepted Eskimos quarterback Mike Reilly and returned the pick 49 yards for a game-winning touchdown in the Riders’ 19-12 victory.