The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed national linebacker A.J. Allen to a one-year contract extension for the 2025 season.
The six-foot, 225-pound Allen returns to the Riders after a 2024 season that saw him tie for top spot in the CFL with 22 special teams tackles, becoming the first Green and White player to lead in that category since 2005.
On top of his impressive year on special teams, Allen played in all 18 regular season games and contributed on defence where he made seven defensive tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown in Week 19 against B.C. The Burlington, ON native suited up for both the Western Semi-Final and Western Final, recording one special teams tackle in each game.
Allen was selected by the Roughriders in the fourth round, 35th overall during the 2020 CFL Draft and played his first game on June 11, 2022. He’s gone on to play 42 games with 32 defensive tackles, 47 special teams tackles, as well as last season’s pick-six.
Collegiately, Allen played five seasons at the University of Guelph. He returned to school for the 2021 season and capped off a stellar collegiate career by earning the President’s Award as the OUA’s Most Outstanding Stand-Up Defensive Player as well as being named an All-Canadian and OUA all-star.
In seven games played in 2021, he tallied 58 tackles, including six tackles for loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. Over his prior four seasons, the 26-year-old made 64 tackles, including 12 for a loss, six sacks, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.
