Not only is he making game-saving plays, on a rare day off Thurman joined two teammates for a powwow at Cote First Nation
Not only is he making game-saving plays as part of a defence that leads the league with 19 turnovers and is nearly impossible to run against, on a rare day off before preparing for Thursday’s road game against the Montreal Alouettes, Thurman went dancing.
It’s not what you might think. Thurman was part of a contingent of Roughriders — including defensive back Godfrey Onyeka and injured quarterback Trevor Harris — who attended a powwow on the Cote First Nation.
“They had a little dance that we did that was pretty nice,” said Thurman. “We met with some elders, talked to them about some of their stories, different things like that. Some of the veterans that served as well.
“It was more of a family event, you know, just people coming together from different places.”
Thurman had never before attended a powwow, which also included a 2 1/2-hour drive northwest of Regina and back.
“I’ve always wanted to do things around the community and throughout the province,” said Thurman. “That was the first time actually that I was able to get out and do an appearance.
“I look forward to doing a lot more.”
As much as Thurman enjoyed the experience, he and his travelling partners were recognized and equally well-received before refocusing on the upcoming game against the reigning Grey Cup champions.
“Everyone buys into our run defence, DBs included,” said Thurman. “This D-line is stout. If other teams want to climb up to the linebackers, like teams have been trying to do, our D-line is going to eat. If they wanna stay on those blocks versus our D-line, then we’re going to eat at linebacker as well. They want to try to test the edge, our DBs are coming up and filling the gaps where needed.
“We’re fast on defence. Nobody’s really outrunning us.”
Thurman wasn’t with the Roughriders last season. An Indiana State product, he began his CFL in 2017 with the Calgary Stampeders, spent last season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and joined Saskatchewan in the offseason as a free agent.
“We want teams to become one-dimensional,” said Thurman. “After that it’s time to really harp on turnovers.
“When teams run the ball you’re not really gonna get as many turnover opportunities, so when you force them to go that other route and pass, that’s when it’s time for us to take advantage and execute.”
During an earlier game against Hamilton, Thurman forced a fumble and returned an interception for a fourth-quarter touchdown, clinching Saskatchewan’s 36-20 victory.
“When I look at it now, it was actually a huge play,” said Thurman. “I didn’t understand and (exactly know) what time it was.
“I knew we needed a play and I knew they couldn’t score, so when I look back at it, I’m like, that was a huge play!”
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