Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker Jameer Thurman has taken to social media to advocate on behalf of his teammate A.J. Allen.
“CFL fans and media always talk about promoting homegrown Canadian talent, but it seems only for a select few. A.J. Allen has been one of the best linebackers in the CFL this year and has the numbers to prove it,” wrote Thurman.
“A guy that made a name for himself being a special teams ace for three years, leading the league in special teams tackles last year, and now starting on defence playing at an All-CFL level. He put in the work, waited for his opportunity, and has excelled at a high level. It’s time to give him the respect he deserves.”
Based on the hashtags that accompanied his post, it appears Thurman considers Allen to be a legitimate candidate for the All-CFL team, Most Outstanding Canadian, and Most Outstanding Defensive Player.
Allen was named Saskatchewan’s nominee for Most Outstanding Canadian on Wednesday, though Thurman got the nod for Most Outstanding Defensive Player.
Allen was originally a fourth-round pick in the 2020 CFL Draft out of the University of Guelph. He first attended training camp with the Roughriders in 2021, though he did not make the final roster and was sent back to school for his final year of U Sports eligibility.
The six-foot, 210-pound defender returned to Saskatchewan in 2022 and made the team, recording six defensive tackles and six special teams tackles. He became a special teams ace over the next two years, recording 19 special teams tackles in 2023 and 22 special teams tackles in 2024, which tied for first in the CFL that year.
Allen started two games for the Roughriders in 2024 before becoming a full-time starter at weak-side linebacker in 2025. He has recorded 84 defensive tackles, three tackles for loss, four sacks, three interceptions, and three forced fumbles through 17 games this season. The 27-year-old ranks second on the team in defensive tackles, second in tackles for loss, fifth in sacks, third in interceptions, and first in forced fumbles.
The native of Burlington, Ont. endorsed Thurman’s statement, posting the following to his own social media page.
“I’m not one to talk about this kinda stuff but that’s why you have friends and teammates like Jameer,” Allen wrote.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-5) will host the B.C. Lions (10-7) on Saturday, October 25 with kickoff slated for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Lions are coming off a win over the Edmonton Elks and can clinch second place in the West Division with a win over Saskatchewan, while the Roughriders lost a sloppy affair in Winnipeg.
The weather forecast in Regina calls for a high of 19 degrees with sunny conditions. The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on 730 CKNW in Vancouver and 620 CKRM in Regina.
Editor’s note: Thurman’s statement has been lightly edited for clarity.
