Speedy Saskatchewan slotback Sexton sets sights on Saturday after scorching start vs. Stampeders
SASKATOON — Mathew Sexton, who has completed the 40-yard dash in an economical 4.4 seconds, has made a suitably speedy transition to life in Riderville.
Less than a week after joining the Saskatchewan Roughriders, he caught five passes for a game-high 78 yards in Monday’s CFL pre-season matchup with the host Calgary Stampeders.
“It was crazy, but it’s a part of the game, though,” Sexton said after Wednesday’s Coors Light Training Camp workout at Griffiths Stadium — where the Roughriders are to oppose the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday.
“I graduated (from Eastern Michigan University) in ’19, so I’ve bounced around a few NFL teams. I’ve grown accustomed to it — getting cut and getting cut and getting brought back into places.
“I’d rather be doing that than sitting at home.”
The 5-foot-10, 178-pounder began his pro football career in 2020 with the Aviators, of Spring League fame.
He subsequently spent time in the NFL (with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins) and XFL (Vegas Vipers, San Antonio Brahmas) before signing with the Ottawa REDBLACKS on Feb. 10.
Sexton was released by the REDBLACKS after their rookie camp, only to resurface with the Roughriders three days later.
“I think he had one true practice under his belt and went out there (to Calgary) and had a heck of a game,” Head Coach Corey Mace said. “Credit to him and ’Quay (Receivers Coach Marquay McDaniel) for spending the time to make sure he’s dialled in with the playbook.
“There were a couple of missed assignments, but what do you expect? The guy’s fresh off the plane in a new offence, but he was still able to make some really good plays for us on offence and in the return game.”
With a 53-yarder, Sexton registered the second-longest missed field goal return by a Roughrider in pre-season competition. Quincy Walden took off on an 87-yarder against the visiting Blue Bombers on June 10, 2017.
Impressive numbers are hardly novel for Sexton, who was a dazzling playmaker at Clinton (Mich.) High School.
With Sexton in the lineup, the Clinton Redwolves sported a 45-4 overall record (playoffs included) and were undefeated in the regular season.
Over that period, he scored 99 touchdowns (including 66 along the ground) and rushed for 100-plus yards 59 times.
One fine day, he erupted for five touchdowns … in the first half!
“From my high school, I’m actually the only person to play in the NFL and to get a Division I scholarship,” noted Sexton, 28. “It’s 100-plus years of my high school being around.
“Shout-out to Clinton High School. I miss all the guys and the coaches back there. Football’s football, no matter where you go or where you play. Coming from my school, it was something we never thought was possible until it was done.
“I’ve still got a lot to prove. Don’t let the age fool you. I’m still young and I feel great. My body feels great.
“That’s why I’m sticking with this until the wheels fall off.”
