When the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' door closed on Jordan Matechuk, the Saskatchewan Roughriders' door quickly opened for him as he signed with the Green and White roughly a week after the Blue and Gold released him.
"I was cut really early in camp by Winnipeg," said Matechuk. who is a Yorkton native. "It was a disappointing day. They got what they wanted out of me the last couple of years and didn't see me as a fit for this year. But with the opportunity with the Roughriders coming up, it seems it was for the best. I'm really excited to join their organization."
As soon as the Blue Bombers cut Matechuk, he gave his former high school football coach, Roby Sharpe, a phone call. This conversation ultimately is what got the ball rolling between the 5-foot-11, 254-pound long snapper/linebacker and Roughriders head coach Corey Chamblin.
"I owe a lot to Roby for helping me get in contact with Chamblin," said Matechuk. "I phoned him soon after I got released and he gave me Chamblin's number. That got everything going. He's a great friend and always helped me when he was my coach and after I left high school."
Sharpe had Chamblin's phone number from when he was in Yorkton for the Football Night in Saskatchewan banquet. He was more than happy to pass it on to Matechuk.
"I had Chamblin's phone number from when he was in Yorkton in April, so when Jordan called me, I gave it to him and told him to give him a call," said Sharpe. "I also passed along Bobby Dyce's number. I know him from back when I was with the University of Manitoba. He's one of the coaches for the Roughriders. Jordan is a good friend of mine and was a great player for me when he played for the (YRHS) Raider Gridders. I'm happy I could help him keep his CFL career going."
When Matechuk officially signed his contract with Saskatchewan on Friday, May 31, it was 'a dream come true' for the 27-year-old. All throughout his high school and junior football careers, he inspired to play for his province's CFL club.
"I'm so excited they gave me this opportunity," he said. "It's really a dream come true for me. When I was playing junior ball, I always dreamed of the 'Riders giving me a contract. And even before that, when I was in high school and even before high school, I always dreamed of playing for the 'Riders. They are such a good organization and they have an unbelievable fan base. I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity."
The Roughriders' camp officially went underway in Saskatoon on Sunday, June 2.
Matechuk went into the camp with the mindset he still has to earn his keep and with a goal of earning an opening day spot.
"I'm going into the camp looking to push the other long snappers and earn a spot," said Matechuk on Friday, May 31. "I can't hold back; I have to go full stride ahead. I want to show them they made a great move by giving me a chance. I'm really motivated to impress them and show them what I can do."
The Roughriders are Matechuk's third CFL team after spending time with the Blue Bombers and Hamilton Tiger Cats.
