Blocker talk: Life, laughs and linguistics on the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offensive line

Evan Johnson makes it a priority to protect the quarterback and a secret. 

There is mystery surrounding matters that were discussed before an on-the-record conversation with the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ starting left guard. 

Noticing that an interview was about to take place, Logan Bandy walked over and whispered in Johnson’s right ear. A fellow offensive lineman, Zack Fry, was standing close by and listening intently. 

We believe the prep work had something to do with a designated word or phrase that any offensive lineman who engages with the media is obligated to use in a quote — but any confirmation would not come from Johnson. Not a chance. 

“It’s 100-per-cent confidential,” he said. “I’m not at liberty to speak about it, unfortunately.” 

He was more expansive, however, when asked about the camaraderie among members of the offensive line, along with their love of a laugh. 

“Football is obviously a tough sport,” Johnson said. “It’s a lot of bumps, bruises, aches and pains. When you’re able to make it fun, that sure helps a lot. 

“Obviously, playing the games is a lot of fun. Playing football is a lot of fun. Wherever you can find a little extra spark to give you that little bit of joy during the day-in and day-out grind, that’s always a good thing.” 

Hence the close scrutiny of interviews — before, during and after they take place. 

The trend started in 2021, when a handful of offensive linemen would typically stand behind the pack of media types while one of the beefier Roughriders was answering questions. It was not uncommon for the audience to punctuate those sessions with a round of applause. 

This year, there seems to be more attention paid to precisely what is said — although, again, this is all speculative. 

“We just have a good time with it,” Johnson said, generally speaking. “We put a little pressure on the guys, maybe by making some silly faces behind (the reporters) to try to throw them off their game a little bit. 

“We just look forward to mixing it up with the guys a little bit and having fun with all the interviews and stuff that happens, too.” 

Are the interviews subject to evaluation from the group? 

“They’re not really graded so much, but we just want to make sure the guys are saying the right things,” Johnson responded, “and we’re making sure that we’re staying hydrated as well for the games coming up — making sure that those cells are all happy and making sure that mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell and he stays happy there, too.” 

Aha! Could mitochondria be the not-so-secret word of the day? 

“I don’t know what secret word you’re trying to talk about here,” Johnson said with a straight face. “But for us as offensive linemen, it kind of goes along with having fun. 

“We do have a bit of a fine system, so we’re making sure that the guys are saying the right things around the locker room and around each other and making sure that we’re all doing the right thing. That kind of goes into it.”
Offensive lines, by nature, are close-knit groups at all levels of football. Logan Ferland appreciated the bond while playing high school football in Melfort and spending time with the Regina Thunder junior team before advancing to the CFL. 

“The group that has the most fun is going to be the tightest group at the end of the day,” said Ferland, the starting right guard. “I think that’s just what it comes down to — having fun with it and just being happy to come to work every day. It just makes it that much more enjoyable.” 

Brandon Council, an offensive tackle who has started three games during his first season of professional football, noticed the camaraderie from the outset. 

“It’s a fun group,” said Council, who is to miss Saturday’s home game against the Calgary Stampeders due to a finger injury.  

“We get along so well. We have movie nights and we do yoga and other fun stuff like that. You can’t beat it. We’re always on the same page.  

“If your O-line has that chemistry, it’s probably going to be one of the best groups.” 

Albeit one of the least appreciated, in terms of public acknowledgment. 

“We know what we’re getting into when we want to play this position,” Council said. “We’re the unsung heroes, man. 

“It starts with us and ends with us. A lot of people might not know that, but we understand that and we’re OK with that. I think that’s what brings us even closer together.” 

Ferland is quick to concur. 

“You have to be able to keep it light, because it’s a position where we don’t get much positivity, no matter what happens,” he said. 

“So, you know, we just have to act like we’re playing an instrument — like a didgeridoo, for example — and just have fun with it.”