The Saskatchewan Roughriders released Mario Anderson Jr. on June 23 and he kept himself busy until returning to the team on July 22.
"I started working in a barbershop back at home, getting all my pibbs work and everything ready," Anderson Jr. said on the SportsCage. "I was cutting hair in the barbershop at home, doing house calls or I was helping out with the varsity football team at my old high school. I was the varsity running backs coach at my old high school."
There was no doubt in Anderson Jr.'s mind when the Riders initially released him that his pro career could continue and he was optimistic to one day return to the Queen City.
"I was very hopeful of it, controlling things that I could control while I was here before I got released," Anderson Jr. said. “Whether that was being a good teammate, being a good support system, doing everything that I could and being an all-around good person. I think that's ultimately why I got the call to come back, other than the game of football, to be honest."
Anderson Jr. credits his relationship with his high school coaches and the community that raised him for allowing him to pursue his dream.
"My old strength coach is still there at Stratford High School. Every off-season since 2019, when I first got to college, I always go with coach [Joey] Sheppard in the weight room and on the track with my high school coaches," Anderson Jr. said. “The community really supports me, my journey and everything that I've been through. So they pour a lot into me as far as letting me work out, being active and staying around all the kids."
Anderson Jr. took advantage of his opportunities in the 60th Labour Day Classic. He finished the game with three carries for 34 yards and two touchdowns, which were the first majors in his CFL career. Through 2025 so far, he has suited up five times for Saskatchewan while rushing 11 times for 101 yards and two touchdowns.
"On my very first run, I left a lot of meat on the bone, I could have done way better," Anderson Jr. detailed about his Labour Day Classic performance. "I'm very hard on myself and my coaches as well."
After the game, Anderson Jr. made the rounds and called his family, who watched his performance with the Green and White.
"First call, my mom, she's overseas right now in Korea. Also, she was the very first call after the time zone was able to help a little bit," Anderson Jr. explained. "So, I called her, then I called my uncle and my dad. Everybody got a call."
Before his time with the Green and White, the five-foot-eight, 205-pound running back began his collegiate career at Newberry College from 2019 to 2022. He transferred to the University of South Carolina for one season in 2023 and finished his NCAA career at the University of Memphis in 2024. The atmosphere Anderson Jr. experienced at Mosaic Stadium for Labour Day had a similar vibe to when he played in the NCAA.
"I played at the University of South Carolina and Memphis and it's at least 50,000 to 100,000 people. It was the same feeling, the same crawly feelings that I had in my arm before the games and everything," Anderson Jr. said. "So it was definitely a great atmosphere and a great experience being here."
Saskatchewan travels to Winnipeg to take on the Bombers for the Labour Day Classic rematch on Saturday. Teagan Witko, Justin Dunk, and Wes Cates bring you the pre-game show at 11 a.m. Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder have the game call at 2 p.m. Listen to our comprehensive coverage on the 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network.
