April 25

Eighteen years ago today — on April 26, 2006 — Fred Perry signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders for two more years.

What a fine two years they were.

Perry was named the CFL team’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2006 and 2007.

He was a West Division All-Star in both seasons, and a CFL All-Star in 2006.

Most notably, he helped the Roughriders win the 2007 Grey Cup championship.

Perry had debuted with the Roughriders in 2005 after signing with them as training camp loomed. He had previous CFL experience with the Toronto Argonauts (1999-2000), Edmonton (2001), the Ottawa Renegades (2003) and Calgary Stampeders (2004).

After registering sack totals of 11, 14 and eight for Saskatchewan, Perry was traded to Edmonton on Feb. 8, 2008 for quarterback Steven Jyles. As part of the deal, the two teams exchanged 2008 second-round draft choices.

Perry spent the 2008 season with Edmonton before joining the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2009.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS

• Joey Jauch — Roughriders receiver, 1994-95 (54)
• Rocky Henry — receiver, 2001-03 (49)
• Josh Bartel — punter, 2014, 2016-18 (39)
• Matt Webster — defensive back, 2014-16 (32)