It used to be said that Saskatchewan Roughriders legend Alan Ford — Mr. Versatility — did everything except sell tickets.
That void was addressed in fine style by his proud grandson, Jaxon Ford, during last year’s Labour Day Classic (LDC).
Then a member of the University of Regina Rams, Jaxon kept an eye on the Green and White’s Sept. 4, 2022 CFL home date with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers while selling Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation 50-50 tickets in Mosaic Stadium’s AGT Lounge.
Nearly a year later, he is poised to make his first on-field appearance in the LDC.
“It’s an important game,” said the 23-year-old Ford, a rookie defensive back and special teams player with the 5-5 Roughriders. “Every game will feel like a playoff game from here on out.
“I’m super-excited to be out there and excited to hear the crowd roar.”
Before assuming the role of stalwart 50-50 salesman, Ford attended several LDCs with his grandparents. Alan and Sally are season-ticket holders in addition to being members of Roughriders royalty.
As a first-time participant in an annual staple of the Roughriders’ schedule, Jaxon — the team’s second-round draft choice in 2023 — hopes to carry on the rich family tradition.
Alan Ford was a part of 22 LDCs as a player or GM.
Saskatchewan’s record during those games: 18-4!
“That’s pretty good,” Jaxon said with a smile. “I’d definitely like that for me, for sure.
“Maybe 18-0, actually. That would be better.”
Alan Ford’s 12-season playing career, spent entirely with the Roughriders, began in 1965.
He was on the 30-day injury list, with tendon damage in a knee, when Edmonton visited Taylor Field on Labour Day Monday and edged the Roughriders 24-22.
His Labour Day debut took place on Sept. 5, 1966, when Saskatchewan blanked the Montreal Alouettes 44-0.
That was Ford’s first of eight consecutive September long weekend victories as a Roughrider.
He was not on the losing side on Labour Day weekend until Sept. 2, 1974, when Winnipeg eked out a 20-18 victory at Taylor Field.
Ford registered his first Labour Day touchdown on Sept. 2, 1968, hauling in a four-yard scoring toss from Ron Lancaster in a 29-2 Roughriders win.
That was a prelude to Sept. 1, 1969 — 54 years ago today — when Ford caught eight passes for a career-high 152 yards in a 32-14 conquest of the B.C. Lions.
Ford also reached the end zone against the Lions on Sept. 6, 1971, when Lancaster found No. 21 for a 12-yard major in a 35-14 Saskatchewan win.
Overall, the Roughriders had a 10-1 record when Ford was in the lineup for a Labour Day game.
The tradition of excellence carried over into his 11-season tenure as the Roughriders’ General Manager and Chief Operating Officer.
With Ford heading the front office, the Roughriders went 8-3 during a period that spanned 1989 to 1999.
Add it all up and the Roughriders boast a winning percentage of 81.8 with a Ford wearing green and white on Labour Day weekend.
If you do the math, history tells us that a Saskatchewan victory under these circumstances is hardly a 50-50 proposition.
