Albert Awachie has made a joyous transition to familiar surroundings.
Released last week by the hometown Toronto Argonauts, he quickly re-signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders — with whom he had been a reliable and respected presence from 2017 to 2023.
“I’ve got to thank the (coaching) staff and my teammates here for welcoming me like I never left,” the 31-year-old fullback, who also excels on special teams, said after Monday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium.
His 70th regular-season game as a Roughrider took place on Thursday, when a marathon against the host Ottawa REDBLACKS ended in a 22-22 tie. Although he had to travel to the nation’s capital on very short notice, he was well-positioned for a quick pivot.
“When I went home in the off-season, I had a different pile of clothes and hangers where I just had all my green stuff,” Awachie said.
“When it was time to pack, it was really easy to spot. The green kind of stands out, so I put it all in my luggage.”
Awachie had joined the Argonauts as a free agent on Feb. 13. After dressing for Toronto’s first nine games of the 2024 season, he was released on Aug. 6. His return to Riderville was announced the following day.
“I’m just very fortunate and happy to be here,” Awachie said. “I got the call from (Special Teams Co-ordinator Kent) Maugeri early on — really, almost before I left the (Argonauts’) parking lot. I was told that I was wanted back. I wanted to be back and I was thrilled.
“First, I had to meet the team in Ottawa, so I caught a quick flight out there and got there two hours before the team arrived. My bags arrived late, obviously.
“It was all right. It just gave me time to think about how my career has been so far and what I want to do moving forward. I just want to make an impact on this team.”
Most of Awachie’s teammates could already attest to what he had to offer.
“We were at the meeting the night before the game and I was introducing a guy who was going to be playing,” Head Coach Corey Mace said.
“Luckily, a majority of the guys know Albert. If you’ve been in the league a while, you’re familiar with his body of work.”
Awachie’s association with the Roughriders dates back to May 26, 2017, when he signed with them as an undrafted free agent.
The University of Toronto grad subsequently reached agreement on new contracts with Saskatchewan in January of 2020 and 2022.
In Chapter 1 as a Roughrider, Awachie — a ferocious blocker — caught six passes for 50 yards and registered 15 special teams tackles.
“Coming back here, I felt rejuvenated, honestly,” he said leading up to Friday’s game against the Montreal Alouettes (7 p.m., Mosaic Stadium).
“I had a quick workout (on Sunday) and then I walked down the tunnel. Just to step on the field again, I felt the energy. It was a nice, hot day. I was just feeling the green and the memories were flowing.
“With all the great moments I’ve had here, it was definitely a moment to cherish. I’m definitely looking forward to more of them.”
