“What do you want to be remembered for today?”: Life according to Kian Schaffer-Baker
As the Saskatchewan Roughriders take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in CFL pres-season action in Saskatoon, SK, May 23, 2026. Photo Electric Umbrella/Liam Richards
What makes Kian Schaffer-Baker tick?
Not Tiktok, evidently.
“I’ve always been told that I’m an old soul,” the 28-year-old Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver says.
“I like the old-school music. I’m a big reggae and R&B guy. I like being out on walks and reading books.
“I don’t like doing all this new-school stuff, like being on TikTok. I go on Instagram a little bit, but my feed’s full of inspirational messages from the Bible.”
One moment, please. Considering Schaffer-Baker’s phenomenal popularity in Rider Nation, couldn’t he be a TikTok sensation?
“That’s not me, though,” he replies. “I just give thanks and glory to God for everything that I have gifted towards me.
“I just cherish and enjoy each day that comes forward, because you never know when it could be your last. What do you want to be remembered for today?”
Entering his sixth CFL season, the Roughriders’ No. 89 has already created a treasure-trove of memories.
In addition to being a productive pass-catcher, he helped the Green and White win a Grey Cup championship in 2025. Off the field, it seems that every interaction with a fan becomes a memorable occasion for both parties.
“You never know what moment or interaction can make someone’s day, even if it’s just a small hello or holding the door open for someone,” Schaffer-Baker says. “Those little things can go a long way in life.
“I heard someone say the other day, ‘You never want to meet your superhero or someone you aspire to be like,’ but I take pride in those moments. I want to shine light.
“Another thing I heard the other day is, ‘If you make sure someone else’s life is OK, your life will always be good.’ It’s just about doing the extra little bit for the people around you.”
Who, or what, influenced that philosophy?
“Inky Johnson,” Schaffer-Baker says. “He’s full of inspiration. He’s got a great story.
“He played football at Tennessee. He was supposed to be a first-round draft pick in the NFL, but he had a really bad injury and lost all the feeling in one of his arms.
“Again, you never know what’s going to happen in life. You might have plans and dreams and hopes of something else, but God has a different plan for you.
“Inky Johnson has changed and inspired so many lives — not from being in the NFL, but from being one of the most renowned motivational speakers in the world.”
With that in mind, Schaffer-Baker is determined to have his best season since becoming a CFLer in 2021.
“I have that feeling every single year,” he says. “I wake up and give all thanks and glory to God.
“We always have these high hopes and dreams and aspirations, but not everything’s going to happen on our timing. You’ve got to put all your faith and trust in God and that’s what I’m going to continue to do every single day, no matter what happens.
“I’ve got faith and the utmost belief that He’s going to carry me forward to my best year yet.”
A foot injury limited Schaffer-Baker to five regular-season games in 2025. He recovered in time to be a factor in the playoffs, as evidenced by his touchdown catch in the Western Final versus the visiting B.C. Lions.
Samuel Emilus, another elite Canadian receiver, also was hampered by injuries last season. He appeared in only seven regular-season games before excelling in the Western Final and the 112th Grey Cup Game.
Saskatchewan was able to finish first overall in the 2025 standings even though Schaffer-Baker and Emilus, between them, were sidelined for two-thirds of the regular season.
Imagine what they and the team could accomplish with better luck, health-wise, in 2026.
“We’re still just scratching the surface on what we’re able to achieve,” Schaffer-Baker says.
“With this group that we have, with (quarterback) Trevor Harris leading us and with (Head Coach) Corey Mace and Coach (Marc) Mueller and Marquay (McDaniel, Receivers Coach), we’ve got such an amazing, phenomenal room.
“It’s that way at all positions. We’re all pushing to be the best versions of ourselves every day.”
The Roughriders are on a bye during Week 1 of the 2026 regular season.
Saskatchewan’s season opener is set for June 13, 5 p.m., against B.C. The pre-game festivities at Mosaic Stadium will include the unveiling of the Roughriders’ 2025 Grey Cup championship banner.
Tickets for the Roughriders’ season opener are AVAILABLE HERE.
