The Saskatchewan Roughriders have proven their excellence extends beyond the gridiron, according to the latest feedback from the players themselves. The Canadian Football League Players' Association (CFLPA) unveiled its second annual club report card on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, and the reigning Grey Cup champions scored impressively high marks from their roster.
Top Grades for On and Off-Field Performance
In the comprehensive survey, which gathered anonymous responses from 381 CFL players across the league, the Roughriders were ranked among the league's elite workplaces, sharing the spotlight with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The 2025 champions demonstrated that a winning culture is built on more than just game-day performance.
The report card, designed to provide insights for free agents and help raise standards league-wide, covered ten critical categories. Saskatchewan's highest grade was a solid A in team travel. The club also earned four A-minus ratings in key areas: the coaching staff, football operations, strength and conditioning, and the structure of training camp.
Significant Improvements Noted from Previous Year
This year's results show notable progress in specific departments that had previously drawn criticism. The most dramatic upgrades came in two areas: nutrition and diet, and the treatment of players' families.
Last season, the team received a concerning D-plus in nutrition and a B in family treatment. In the 2025 report, those grades jumped to a B-minus and a C, respectively. While the family treatment grade remains an area for growth, the significant leap in nutrition highlights a direct response to player feedback.
"Strength and conditioning staff really levelled up," wrote one anonymous Roughrider in the survey. Another player added, "Great improvements in nutrition, coaching, family events, strength training, so many improvements." These comments contrast sharply with critiques from the previous off-season, where players lamented poor food options and limited availability from the medical staff.
Areas of Praise and Constructive Criticism
Beyond the top grades, the Roughriders received three B ratings in ownership and business operations, facilities and equipment, and therapy and medical staff. The overall picture painted by the report card is one of a well-run organization that listens to its athletes.
However, the feedback wasn't universally glowing. The survey revealed some player dissatisfaction regarding community appearances. Issues were raised about the compensation and frequency of opportunities for players to engage with fans locally.
"Issues with community appearance money. Issues with multiple players," one participant noted. A second player echoed the sentiment, stating, "Appearances were not offered at the rate expected, very slow." This feedback provides a clear avenue for the club's management to further enhance the player experience in the coming year.
The CFLPA's 78-question survey serves as a vital tool for transparency and improvement. By anonymously grading their clubs on everything from management to medical care, players have a powerful voice in shaping their professional environment. For the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the 2025 report card confirms their status as a premier destination in the CFL, while also charting a course for continued off-field excellence.
