One thing Malik 'Scoop' Carney knew before he played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders: the fans at Mosaic Stadium are different.
"Outside looking in, I was always like, dang, these fans are loud," Carney explained on the SportsCage. "Now, being a part of the Green and White, man, it's like I'm on the good side."
Prior to joining the Riders, the six-foot-three, 245-pound defensive lineman spent his first three seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats from 2021 to 2023, accumulating 81 defensive tackles and 13 sacks. He signed with the Green and White last February, playing 13 games while registering 26 defensive tackles and four sacks.
Carney has re-signed with the Riders, it's a one-year contract for the 2025 season. He will not have to go to free agency in February.
"It's exciting to continue to build what we had," Carney said. "We fell short, but to continue to build on and be back this upcoming season, it's a blessing."
Last year, the Riders finished second in the West Division with a 9-8-1 record, securing home-field advantage in the West Semi-Final. Saskatchewan defeated the B.C. Lions 28-19 on November 2. The next opponent was the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the West Final, which the Riders lost 38-22 the following week.
Even though Carney would like to have all his teammates back with him, he will let head coach Corey Mace and general manager Jeremy O'Day decide which players return.
"I don't get paid enough to make those types of calls, man," Carney chuckled. "I would have everybody come back, but I know that's not going to happen. I let them make that judgment call."
Carney has been enjoying this off-season, besides working out, it's been family-focused.
"Enjoying life man, spending time with my family and my brothers, that's what it's about for me," Carney explained.
Prior to joining the CFL, Carney spent some time in the NFL, first as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions in 2019, then with the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos. Overall Carney earned $115,000 USD during his stint south of the border.
Carney was born in Washington, D.C. and he's excited about the Commander's chance in the NFL playoffs this year. He likes their next match-up against his former team, the Lions.
"I like their chances, man," Carney said. "I feel like it's going to be a defensive game; if we can get [the Lions] on defence, I think it'd be a great game."
Carney is a University of North Carolina alumni, he played for the Tar Heels from 2015 to 2018. With Bill Belichick hired as head coach at UNC and the CFL schedule out, Carney might have a trip in mind.
"I will definitely be trying to catch a game on a bye week, if possible, man," Carney said. "Who wouldn't want to go?"
