Ricky Foley says he's staying with Saskatchewan Roughriders
Foley picking Hamilton to beat Calgary 28-24 in the Grey Cup
While all eyes are on the Grey Cup tonight, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are already in off-season mode.
The Riders have a huge list of free agents, including some big names like Weston Dressler and Tyron Brackenridge. Defensive end Ricky Foley - who led all Canadians with 12 quarterback sacks this season - said fans can expect to scratch his name off the free agent list.
"There should be an announcement coming out pretty soon," Foley said. "All signs point to me being back with the Riders next year, so I'm happy about that."
The Canadian defensive lineman is set to become a free agent in February. The Riders have yet to confirmed Foley's return to the team.
All signs point to me being back with the Riders next year, so I'm happy about that.- Ricky Foley
Foley said one reason he wants to stay in Regina was on display in the team's gym.
"I go in there, I see three young guys - Spencer Moore, Corey Watman and Levi Steinhauer - in there sweatin', music pumpin' and working out as hard as can be and it's three days after the season has ended," Foley said. "That's something that you feel really encouraged as a veteran, knowing that these guys are putting in work and I'm super excited for next year."
"I don't like Calgary"
The Roughriders may not be playing in the Grey Cup, but they're still well-represented in Vancouver.
Several Riders — not to mention countless Green and White fans — are taking in the festivities this weekend.
When the Calgary Stampeders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats kickoff the championship game, Foley said he won't have to think twice when cheering for a team.
"I have faith in Hamilton and I don't like Calgary," Foley said.
"I think the game is going to be decided in the first quarter. I think if Hamilton can stop the run against Cornish, then I think it will be close. I think Hamilton will pull it out in the fourth quarter."
However, Foley said he isn't writing off the heavily-favoured Stampeders.
"If Calgary gets up early, I think it will be a blowout," he said.
Foley won the previous two Grey Cup championships with Toronto and Saskatchewan.