Article content

For a change, Cody Fajardo knows that a handoff will not be a certainty when he next accepts snaps on behalf of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

But his fingers are crossed.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Rob Vanstone: Saskatchewan Roughriders' quarterback Cody Fajardo's excitement for Labour Day Classic is apparent Back to video

If Fajardo scores a touchdown during Sunday’s Labour Day Classic against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the priority will be to promptly present the football to his father.

Tim Fajardo, from Brea, Calif., is poised to attend his first game at Mosaic Stadium.

“He watches every game on TV,” a proud son, formerly of the University of Nevada Wolf Pack, said following Wednesday’s practice. “When I was in college, he went to every single one of my home games.

“I think, if anything, it just gets me more excited. If I can score a touchdown and bring him a ball, that would be pretty special.”

As in special delivery.

Ideally, the football would be handed to the elder Fajardo with some urgency — in the midst of a sellout crowd’s touchdown celebration.

“I’ve been thinking about that,” the Roughriders’ 27-year-old pivot said. “If I was lucky enough to score a touchdown, I’d probably hand-deliver it to him. I know he’d be super-excited.

“It’s always great when you’re living away from home. You have, obviously, your teammates, but to have family members coming up here is exciting. I know my dad wouldn’t be seeing these parts of Canada if it wasn’t for me playing football. Being able to have this opportunity has been a blessing for me and my family.”