Roughriders extend star running back A.J. Ouellette

Saskatchewan Roughriders' AJ Ouellette celebrates his touchdown against the B.C. Lions during the first half of a CFL football game, in Vancouver, B.C., Saturday, July 13, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have re-signed running back A.J. Ouellette to a one-year contract extension.

The club announced the acquisition on Sunday.

A key piece of the Roughriders’ offence for its Grey Cup-winning 2025 season, Ouellette rushed for 1,222 yards and led the team in touchdowns with nine. Eight of those were rushing touchdowns, one of which was a 47-yarder. Ouellette also caught 35 passes for 250 yards and another touchdown and was named the Wireless Age Player of the Year.

While he recorded a stellar regular season, it was in November that Ouellette really shined.

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During the Western Final, Ouellette rushed 17 times for 113 yards in what was a narrow 24-21 victory over the B.C. Lions.

Ouellette carried on with 17 carries for 83 yards and one touchdown during the 112th Grey Cup, where the Riders secured their fifth championship title, defeating the Montreal Alouettes 25-17.

Ouellette signed with the Roughriders on Feb. 13, 2024, after spending four seasons with the Toronto Argonauts. In his first year with the Green and White, the running back rushed for 558 yards in eight games and scored three touchdowns over two playoff games.

In his 62 career regular season games, Ouellette has rushed over 700 times for 3,562 yards and has scored 21 touchdowns. He has also caught 110 passes for 949 yards and five touchdowns.

Prior to his stint in the CFL, Ouellette spent time in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns. Preceding that, he played five collegiate seasons from 2014 to 2018 at the University of Ohio.