For Antoine Brooks Jr., Saturday night wasn’t simply a strong start to the season. It was validation.
After spending the past two seasons waiting, contributing where needed and trusting his opportunity would eventually come, Brooks delivered one of the biggest performances of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ season-opening win over the B.C. Lions.
Starting at strong-side linebacker, Brooks piled up 13 defensive tackles, including one for a loss, added a pass knockdown and earned the Rider Broadcast Network Defensive Player of the Game honours.
For head coach Corey Mace, the performance wasn’t surprising, only overdue.
“He's been around. He's been around for a while,” Mace said. “So for him to be able to dissect and finally get an opportunity to showcase his skill set.”
Brooks’ journey to becoming a featured defensive piece hasn’t followed a straight line.
Signed by Saskatchewan in April of 2024, Brooks dressed for just one regular-season game during his first year in the CFL. Last season, he began carving out a larger role through special teams and situational defensive work while helping the Roughriders capture a Grey Cup championship. Along the way, Mace said the organization became determined to find a way to keep him involved.
“There was a point last year where we knew he was a great player. We were trying to find ways,” Mace said. “I mean, he was a running back for a week. We were trying to find ways, how can we get this kid on the roster for us?”
Brooks never stopped waiting.
“To his credit, he waited patiently, and it's not easy,” Mace added. “There are a few guys throughout this league who had to wait a year, maybe two years, before they got an opportunity, but they saw it through, and it paid off.”
Saturday looked like that payoff. Brooks said preparation was what allowed him to play freely.
“I’m just happy to step up and show for my team for the checkdowns, for the lower outs and all that,” Brooks said. “I was overly prepared today, and whatever came to me, plays just happened.”
His influence extended beyond defence. Late in the game, Brooks continued flying downfield on special teams coverage, an area he still takes personally despite earning a starting role.
“Special teams is very important,” Brooks said. “Coach Maugeri and I have a personal connection with each other. If he ever needs me to step up and be the gun or be the guy to shoot and slow people’s feet down, I always step up for my team.”
That attitude has helped define Brooks’ time in Saskatchewan. His 2025 season featured flashes of what could come, including his first CFL interception, an 85-yard interception-return touchdown against Ottawa, two sacks against Winnipeg, and strong playoff performances in both the West Final and the Grey Cup. Saturday may have been the clearest sign yet.
Against Nathan Rourke and a B.C. offence expected to challenge for the top of the West Division, Brooks said discipline became the defensive priority.
“Just trying to slow my feet down and keep him contained,” Brooks explained. “Make sure that he’s thinking twice about his decisions, and try to make him take that first look.”
Containing a quarterback capable of extending plays requires constant communication. Brooks said Saskatchewan leaned on scramble rules and trust.
“When he gets out of the pocket, we just have to start locking in,” Brooks said. “You just got to communicate.”
The Roughriders also had to adjust after losing Rolan Milligan Jr. during the game, forcing multiple players into expanded responsibilities. Brooks said nobody blinked.
“We float like water,” Brooks said. “For us, everybody’s the same. We try to keep all of us at the same level and same standard.”
That same mentality applies inside Saskatchewan’s linebacker room alongside Josh Woods and Jameer Thurman.
“We are all really three peas in one pod. We talk all the time. Honestly, I feel like all of us could play everybody’s position.”
Brooks has already worn many hats in Saskatchewan. Practice roster player. Special teams contributor. Depth defender. Emergency running back.
Now, after a 13-tackle opener wearing his new single-digit No. 5, he’s making a case for something more.
“Oh yeah, I’m comfortable, baby,” Brooks said with a smile. “I know it’s a crazy change, but the five look good.”
After one week, the numbers looked pretty good too.
