October 23, 2024 marks the three-year anniversary for defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr. signing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
"You could tell with Rolan within the first two or three plays that he was going to be a good player for us," general Manager Jeremy O'Day told the SportsCage. “We really got a glowing report card from Rolan, his work ethic and everything that we've seen since he's been here."
Through Week 20, Milligan Jr. leads the league in interceptions with eight and is tied for second in special team tackles with 20 alongside teammate A.J. Allen. He is fourth in defensive plays (111) and pass knockdowns (10).
Milligan Jr. did not start his career in the CFL instead playing in the NFL. After he was finished south of the border, he was recruited to play north of the border.
“Most of the time you're looking for guys that are right there at that bubble. A lot of it is trying to feel out to see if they want to still have the opportunity, if they're interested in your league," O'Day said.
“Sometimes it comes down to dollars. If you had a guy that's played in the NFL for a number of years and he's done well for himself, whether he still wants to play at a salary that's reduced from what he's used to.”
Prior to Milligan Jr. joining the Riders, he spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts. In his NFL career, the five-foot-11, 200-pound DB played 11 games, starting one, while making 11 solo tackles and 15 assisted. The Lake Wales, Fla. native earned over $867,000 USD in the NFL.
Milligan Jr. and the Roughriders had a bye in Week 20 to rest and prepare for the team's final regular season game and Grey Cup playoffs.
"This one was nice," O'Day said. "It fit real well with some of the injuries we had and gave guys an extra week to get healthy; see how the rest of the league was going to shake out."
Saskatchewan has a chance to earn first place in the West Division and host the West Final instead of the West Semi-final. If the Winnipeg Blue Bombers lose to the Alouettes in Montreal and the Riders beat the Stampeders, the Green and White earn first.
"We've told the players to prepare as if we're going out there to try to get first place," O'Day said. "Hopefully [the Alouettes] do get a win and give us an opportunity to finish what we want to accomplish and get that first round bye."
The Roughriders host Calgary at Mosaic Stadium on Saturday. Countdown to Kick-off begins with a chance to watch Justin Dunk and Wes Cates live at 2 p.m. on YouTube. Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder join at 4 p.m., with the kick-off to follow at 5 p.m. on the Co-operators Roughrider Radio Network.
