Milligan has a chance to become the second defensive player to win the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player award since it was first presented
Rolan Milligan Jr. is hoping to buck a trend.
Since the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player award was first handed out in 1953, only one purely defensive player — B.C. Lions linebacker Solomon Elimimian in 2014 — has received the honour.
Over the past eight seasons, a quarterback has been named the MOP seven times.
“He’s the guy; he’s been awesome this year,” said Riders’ quarterback Trevor Harris. “He’s just a really, really good football player and I’m glad people are finally realizing it.”
While the 30-year-old Milligan has been a standout defender this season for the Green and White, he’s actually a former quarterback, as he played the position during his senior year at Lake Wales High School in Florida.
“So, I was like, ‘Alright, I guess I’ll do it.’ ”
Milligan estimates he threw for 500 yards and added another 500 rushing yards, while also playing on the defensive side that season.
“I didn’t even throw the ball that much,” said Milligan, who also played some receiver in his junior season. “We had like three or four different guys running the ball.
“I never wanted to be a quarterback.”
This season, the 5-foot-11, 200-pounder — who wears No. 0 for the Green and White — has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks as leads the CFL in interceptions with eight. He’s also tied for first in the league with 10 knockdowns to go along with 69 defensive tackles.
On top of that, he leads the league in special teams tackles as he’s on track to become the first player in league history to finish the season atop that category plus a defensive category.
Overall, his 89 total tackles rank fifth in the league behind four linebackers and his 109 total defensive plays rank third among all CFLers.
“Every single day, he comes in and he leads us,” said linebacker C.J. Reavis. “He’s the same person every day no matter what happens in his personal life or in his football life.
“I just strive to be like Milly. Milligan for MOP, man.”
“He’s been outstanding for us,” added head coach Corey Mace. “And I can’t say enough good things about him as a person.
“You just look at what he’s been able to do throughout the season statistically; I believe everybody on the field knows where 0 is at and he’s still able to make plays.”
Along with the support from his teammates and coaches, Milligan has felt the love on social media with dozens of posts lobbying for him to win the award this season.
“It just makes me more appreciative of (the fans),” he said. “It’s fun to see people pushing for me; campaigning for me.
“It feels good.”
While Milligan is in consideration for MOP honours, he’s also in the running for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player award, which rarely goes to a defensive back.
Since that award was first presented in 1974, only one DB – Jovon Johnson of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2011 – received the honour with the other awards being presented to linebackers and defensive linemen.
After helping Saskatchewan clinch a playoff spot last week with a 28-24 win over the Edmonton Elks, Milligan — who made his CFL debut in 2021 when the Riders were last in the playoffs — is hoping to build on his strong season in the final two games of the regular season and into the postseason.
“I felt like I would have a great season defensively,” said Milligan. “MOP and all that talk, I wasn’t really concerned about it to be honest.
“I knew I would get opportunities to make plays on the ball and my biggest thing was just once I get those opportunities, just capitalize.”
Injury report
After sitting out of Tuesday’s practice, Reavis (knee) was a full participant on Wednesday while fellow linebacker Adam Auclair (knee) missed a second straight workout.
Running back Ryquell Armstead (shoulder) was limited for a second straight day while it looks like A.J. Ouellette (hip) is on track to return to the lineup this week after a six-game absence as he logged his second straight full practice. Receiver KeeSean Johnson (thigh) was a full participant after being limited Tuesday.
Along the offensive line, Jacob Brammer (knee) and Zack Fry (elbow) both logged a full workout while centre Peter Godber (ankle) was limited for a second straight day as he eases his way back into the lineup.
Defensive back Amari Henderson (illness) missed a second straight day with Deontai Williams working as a starting cornerback in practice after serving his one-game suspension.
Meanwhile, defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado didn’t practise Wednesday after being limited on Day 1 while fellow DL Lake Korte-Moore (knee) missed a second straight day.
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