May 31, 2023

From the Rams to the Roughriders: Noah Pelletier’s “amazing” internship experience 

Noah Pelletier is well-acquainted with Mosaic Stadium from several standpoints. 

He has occupied one of the family-owned season-ticket seats to watch Saskatchewan Roughriders home games, roamed the stands while selling 50-50 tickets to benefit the University of Regina Rams, and played for that Canada West football team and the Balfour Bears at the immaculate facility. 

But even in such a familiar setting, Pelletier was able to savour something new this past weekend. 

The Regina-born quarterback dressed for the Roughriders during Saturday’s pre-season game against the visiting B.C. Lions. 

“It was an awesome experience to be able to run out of the tunnel and be on the sidelines,” said Pelletier, who is attending the Coors Light Riders Training Camp as part of the CFL QB Internship Program. 

“I’ve learned so much being around these quarterbacks, especially, and I’ve been able to take a lot in.” 

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Pelletier has received mentorship from Trevor Harris, Mason Fine, Jake Dolegala and Shea Patterson throughout camp at the University of Saskatchewan. 

“He’s at every meeting and he’s soaking in everything,” Fine said. “He’s great to talk to and he knows his role. He has learned a lot and he can play. 

“He’s got four years of eligibility left and he’s bigger than me. We were in the weight room the other day and he was pushing big weight. He’s athletic, he can throw it, and he’s just strong. 

“I wish him the best. I’ll keep up with him throughout his college ball. He’s a great dude. I’ve hung out with him outside of football and had a great time with him.” 

The great time has been shared by Pelletier. 

“It has been amazing,” he said with a smile. “I’m soaking in every single part of it.” 

At the same time, he realizes that there is work to be done, first and foremost. 

“The first few days, I was a little star-struck and taking it all in,” Pelletier said. “At the same time, I want to get as much as I can out of this, so I take every day as seriously as I can. 

“Every opportunity I get to throw the ball and every opportunity I get to be in the meetings, I’m trying to take it all in. 

“I’m kind of looking at it as a business, because I’m still going back to play football with the Rams. Hopefully I can build off that and get myself an opportunity to play in the CFL in a couple of years.” 

What is the main takeaway from his first pro camp? 

“They take everything absolutely to the next level compared to what I’m used to,” Pelletier responded. “Obviously, there’s the speed of the game, and their playbook is a lot bigger. With their leadership styles, I’m going to be able to take that away and build off it. 

“For quarterbacks, their arm strength is next-level here, so that’s something I’m definitely going to have to work on.” 

At the same time, Pelletier wants to pay it forward by using what he has learned during a memorable May to benefit the Rams in general. 

“I already have a couple of pages of notes of things I want to talk to my coaches about and things I want to talk to the other quarterbacks about,” he said. “I’ve learned so much and I’m excited to be able to pass that on to my coaches and my teammates when I get back.” 

As a bonus, the learning will continue even when Pelletier’s time at the 2023 training camp concludes. 

“Being around the quarterbacks they have here has been an amazing experience,” he said. “All four of them are great. 

“They’ve really taken me in. I see them as teammates, but I’m also able to see them as friends and I hope I can stay in touch with them throughout my season. 

“I’ll definitely be supporting them and hopefully they come out and support me a few times. I know I’m able to reach out to them if I ever need anything while I’m here. 

“Even when I go back home, I know they’ll still be there for me, so it has been awesome to have them around.”