Roughriders’ Frankie Hickson signs a second contract to play in his “second home”
Saskatchewan Roughriders running back Frankie Hickson is focused on making gains even before he touches the football in 2024.
“Getting stronger and getting faster is always important in the off-season,” Hickson, who has just signed a one-year contract extension with the Green and White, says from his family’s home base of Forest, Va.
“It’s also important to get my life right spiritually and to get back to the roots of why I do this and who my God is.
“Jesus Christ is most important. He’s the reason why I’m here and He’s the reason why I’ve had success. He has always been there, regardless, even when other people weren’t.
“I’m getting back to my foundations to make sure that my whole body, my whole personal development, is still increasing.
“Mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally, all four of those have to be right to be an amazing athlete and an amazing person. That’s what God has called me to do.”
So when the Roughriders called and offered a new contract — his second pro pact — it was an easy sell.
“Even now in this off-season, before we have even touched the field, it just feels different,” says Hickson, who originally signed with Saskatchewan on April 27, 2022.
“It feels like there’s new blood. There’s a new situation. There’s new values. Football is important, but so is family and just loving the game — going back to the times before we had all of this.
“It’s just amazing to see thus far.”
The former Liberty University standout is impressed with a largely new coaching staff that is led by Corey Mace, who on Nov. 30 was named the Roughriders’ 48th field boss.
A week later, Mace appointed Marc Mueller as the Offensive Co-ordinator. Hickson will also work closely with Anthony Vitale, who takes over as the Running Backs Coach after mentoring the offensive linemen last season.
“While they’re three kind of different guys, they all have that same intensity and that same joy for the game,” Hickson says. “It’s clear when you converse with them that they’re just excited to be a part of the Roughriders and to give us an opportunity to win this Grey Cup.”
Hickson capitalized on his first opportunity in professional football by enjoying a standout season in 2022. He was recognized as the Roughriders’ top rookie after rushing for 533 yards — including a 63-yard touchdown — and averaging 6.3 yards per carry in 13 games.
He dressed for 10 games last season, which was highlighted by a nine-carry, 77-yard performance against the host Ottawa REDBLACKS on Sept. 22.
Now the objective is to enjoy a banner year, from a personal and team perspective, in 2024.
“Ultimately, what they do is try to put the best team out there that they can,” Hickson says. “My job is to make sure that I am on the field. My job is to make sure that I do what I’m doing now so that I can be the best that I possibly can be and handle whatever they put on my plate.
“It’s more about what I’m doing here now and giving them the opportunity to see that I can handle whatever they have for me.”
That includes off-the-field initiatives such as time spent in the community — something Hickson has embraced since becoming a Roughrider.
His intent is to return to Saskatchewan comfortably in advance of training camp so he can make appearances on behalf of the team and the Roughrider Foundation, which is oriented toward enhancing the lives of young people.
“The community has brought me in and treated me like family,” says Hickson, who turns 27 on March 17. “It has kind of become a second home.
“Any opportunity to impact the next generation, I don’t take that lightly. I believe that one of our biggest opportunities is to impart (wisdom) to the people who are coming up behind us and growing up behind us.
“This life isn’t getting any easier. Things are getting tougher and tougher. People who are even younger than us are dealing with some stuff that they shouldn’t deal with at the ages that they are.
“It’s important to give them an opportunity and let them see that there is a different way. There is joy in this life. There is a lot of good in this life.
“To start the path to success, you’ve got to be exposed to new things and new opportunities.”
Hickson is delighted to be on that path, with a new contract in his pocket.
“I’m full of joy and just excited to see what this year has in store for us,” he says. “It’s just a blessing to continue to play the game that I love.”
