The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ season ended with a disappointing 33-26 loss to the B.C. Lions in the West Division semifinal, leaving the team to turn its attention to the offseason.
For more than two dozen Roughriders players, that means decisions about their football futures as they approach free agency. Among them is long snapper Mike Benson, who earned West Division All-CFL honours in 2026. While the desire to continue playing remains important, Benson admits there is much more to consider when deciding where his career goes next.
Family is at the top of that list. Benson spent five seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, which allowed him to stay close to home. Joining the Roughriders meant leaving Winnipeg while his partner, Chantal, and their 5-year-old son stayed behind. It has been an adjustment for everyone involved.
“The number one key factor is family,” Benson said.
Benson was reminded of what he's been missing at home when his son played his first hockey game on Sunday. His young boy quickly shared the news of his performance.
“MVP at Timbits, which is a pretty big day,” Benson said. “He was quick to get on the FaceTime and tell me how many goals he scored. I’m going to coach him when I get back, too.”
His son already has plans for his dad's return.
“The first thing he asked was, ‘When are you coming on the ice to coach?’” Benson said.
Benson does not take the opportunity to be part of those everyday family moments for granted. Winnipeg is home for him and his partner, and their extended families also live in the city. After five seasons with the Blue Bombers, Benson was accustomed to finishing his workday and returning to his own home.
“You spend five years at home, and you get to go back to your actual housed,” he said. “It’s such a luxury that I definitely took for granted.”
Benson credits Chantal for making the transition possible, taking care of their household and managing their son's busy schedule while also working full time.
He acknowledged that playing away from home would be considerably more difficult without her support. They also attended four Riders home games this season.
“I'm really, really fortunate. It's rare to have that kind of support,” Benson said.
Despite that support, the distance has been challenging. Benson said he had never previously left home or been separated from his son in this way, making the adjustment difficult for both of them.
As Benson considers his next move, the decision will involve more than football. Family, location, and the opportunity to spend more time with his son will all factor into what comes next.
In the meantime, Roughriders fans may also remember Benson for a very different reason.
Ahead of the Labour Day Classic, Benson adopted the persona of Jack Crystal, a fictional character from Elbow, Sask., to go undercover and prank his teammates during the team's Fan Day festivities.
The performance raised an interesting question about whether Benson might have a future promoting tourism in the Saskatchewan community. Or perhaps he could take on an even bigger role.
“Maybe I'll run for mayor,” Benson joked. “Yeah; if they're ready to adopt someone from Manitoba and put that aside, I'll run for mayor.”
For now, Benson's football future remains to be determined. But as free agency approaches, his comments remind us that the decisions players make in the offseason often extend well beyond the football field.
That's Between The Lines for Sheppard Realty in Regina, specializing in farm and ranch real estate in Saskatchewan. Call Harry, Justin or Devan at 352-1866.
