Every time Saskatchewan Roughriders short yardage quarterback Tommy Stevens scores a touchdown he rewards his offensive line with a box of donuts. His donut tab is going up after scoring three times in Saturday’s 28-26 win over the Edmonton Elks. “They’re pretty excited,” Stevens told reporters after Riders’ practice Tuesday. “They got the first box the other day, but I actually got in a little bit later than I usually do today, I owe them an extra box now. They didn’t get theirs today, but they’ll have them tomorrow.” Stevens’ number was called 13 times in Saturday’s game, where he rushed for 29 yards – averaging just over two yards per carry – in addition to punching it into the endzone three times from the one-yard-line. In seven games this season he has 41 rush attempts without throwing a pass. His 142 rushing yards are third best among quarterbacks. His eight rushing touchdowns lead the CFL. “It’s more so just another opportunity to get on the field,” Stevens said. “It’s our plan, the closer we get to the goal line, I was going to be getting in there pretty much just like every other week. I’m just happy to provide.” ‘Stone Cold’ mentality Stevens has been dubbed many things over his short time with the Roughriders. He signed in Saskatchewan ahead of the 2025 season and has earned the titles, ‘automatic,’ ‘the closer’ and ‘cheat code.’ He says he’s embraced the mentality of former wrestler ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin. Stevens even uses Austin’s famous, ‘I Won’t Do What You Tell Me’ entrance music when he comes into the game. “As a big wrestling guy myself, I loved WWE growing up,” said Stevens. “Monday nights and Friday nights in my house were painful for my dad because I’d give him 15 ‘rock bottoms’ and 20 ‘stone cold stunners.” In his time with the Calgary Stampeders, Stevens used The Troggs’ ‘Wild Thing,’ made famous by the 90’s movie ‘Major League’, as his walk-up song, but it was former teammate Bo Levi Mitchell who suggested the tune. When he signed in Saskatchewan Stevens was asked if he would continue using the tune as his theme, but he decided to switch it up. “I kind of saw it in a way like Mick Foley, ‘Mankind,’ ‘Cactus Jack,’ ‘Dude Love’; he had all these different versions of himself,” explained Stevens. “I see myself as the same guy but a different version of myself being here in Saskatchewan.” “Who has a better theme song than Stone Cold Steve Austin? And it fits the Pilsner vibe, I would say. So I thought people might like it. I loved it, and I’d say people like it. It’s pretty cool.” Stevens admits he’s humbled by the opportunities to make an impact on the game. “It means a lot to me because I’ve always kind of seen that for myself. It’s always been something I’ve believed that I could do, but didn’t always get those opportunities.” Teammates and coaches are happy he’s on their side. “Having that extra Swiss Army knife in our backpack is something that, if you have, use it,” starter Trevor Harris said. “And we’re thankful Tommy is able to go out there and get it done.” Even as his donut expenses continue to rise, Stevens credits his offensive line for making his job easier. “It really just comes down to the trust from the coaching staff for being able to put me in a position to do it. It always starts up front. The guys up front have to have to start the process of me getting those yards. If they aren’t doing their job, I’m not going to get anywhere.”
