5 Best Saskatchewan Roughriders Players of All Time, Ranked

Founded in 1910, the Roughriders have won four Grey Cups — 1966, 1989, 2007, and 2013. When it comes to football odds and the Roughriders, they’ve often been toward the bottom of the list. For example, heading into the 2024 season, they’re among the three worst teams, odds-wise, to win this season’s Grey Cup. 

Even though they’ve had a lack of success compared to other top CFL teams, there’s still been over a century of history.  Below, I’ve constructed a list of the top five players to wear a Roughriders uniform. 

Who Are the Best Saskatchewan Roughriders?

1. George Reed

Not only is Reed the best player in Saskatchewan history, but he’s arguably one of the best CFL players ever. 

He played for the Roughriders from 1963 to 1975, a span covering 203 games. When he retired, Reed held records in rushing yards (16,116), total touchdowns (137), and rushing scores (134). Some of those have been broken now, but he remains second in total touchdowns, first in rushing scores, and second in rushing yards. 

He was a CFL All-Star from 1965-69 and 1971-74 and was a CFL West All-Star in the same years. 

Reed was also the CFL Most Outstanding Player in 1965 and MVP of the 54th Grey Cup in 1966, the Roughriders’ first-ever championship. 

He was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame in 1979. Reed passed away on Oct. 1, 2023. 

2. Ron Lancaster

Playing quarterback for the team from 1963 to 1978, Lancaster holds Roughriders records in passing yards (46,710), pass attempts (5,834), completions (3,186), and passing touchdowns (299). 

Additionally, he played in 246 games (third) and 16 regular seasons (second). 

As a player, he was part of the 1966 Grey Cup-winning team, along with Reed. Lancaster was a CFL All-Star in 1970, 1973, 1975, and 1976. He was a two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player (1970 and 1976) and a Tom Pate Memorial Award winner in 1976. 

He was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame in 1982. Lancaster passed away on Sept. 18, 2008. 

3. Roger Aldag

Playing for the Roughriders over a career that spanned three decades from 1976 to 1992, Aldag was a key component of the offensive line, especially in the 77th Grey Cup win in 1989 when Ottawa beat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 43-40. 

He was a CFL All-Star and CFL West All-Star from 1986-90. 

The team retired his No. 44, and he was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame in 2002. 

4. Ray Elgaard

Another Roughrider who played his entire career with the team, Elgaard, was a slotback out of Utah taken/selected in the second round of the 1983 CFL Draft. 

He was a CFL All-Star in 1985, 1988, 1992, and 1993. In addition to the other years mentioned, Elgaard was also given a CFL West All-Star nod in 1987, 1990, and 1992. 

Elgaard won three CFL Most Outstanding Canadian awards in 1988, 1990, and 1992. 

He holds Roughriders career records in touchdown catches (78) and receiving yards (13,189). He’s also second in receptions with 830. 

In that 77th Grey Cup win, Elgaard caught a touchdown pass in the second quarter. 

5. Bill Baker

Setting the edge, Baker played for the Roughriders from 1968 to 1973 and again from 1977 to 1978. He was a CFL All-Star in both 1972 and 1973. 

He was the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 1976 and was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame in 1994. 

Unfortunately, sacks and some other defensive categories/statistics weren’t tracked back then, but Baker earned the nickname “The Undertaker,” so it’s safe to say he was a ferocious pass rusher.