Saskatchewan Roughriders' defensive back Marcus Sayles emphasized loyalty as the main reason why he signed a two-year extension with the Green and White through the 2026 season.
"They took a shot on me after I was released from B.C. Ever since I got into the organization, it's been nothing but love and respect. I'm excited to be back with the Riders, and I'm ready to chase this ring," Sayles said on The SportsCage.
"I think it was important for the organization to have continuity and to bring a lot of the guys back. I wanted to be a part of us chasing that ring because we were so close last year and we feel like we can do it this year."
According to Sayles, players around the league talk with him after games about what it's like to play for the Riders.
"They see what we're doing there, they see how much fun we're having, they see us dancing in the end zones when our offence and our defence scores and they want to be a part of it," Sayles said.
"Coach [Corey] Mace has that energy and that drive that wants to bring players. We're so focused on winning this Grey Cup, I think everybody wants to be a part of it. I'm excited to be a part of it as well."
Sayles was released by the B.C Lions after training camp last year. The five-foot-nine, 176-pound cover man played 17 games for the Riders, registering 57 defensive tackles, 12 pass knockdowns and four interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, along with two fumble recoveries. He earned a CFL all-star selection for his performance with the Green and White.
"I've been fortunate enough to have been around a lot of good coaches," Sayles said. "I've been fortunate enough to be around a lot of good players, a lot of guys with experience and we bounce information off each other."
The 30-year-old will be joined by Canadian defensive back Tevaughn Campbell on the backend for the upcoming season. The NFL veteran signed with the Roughriders after six seasons south of the border.
"I know the fan base is excited to have him back, I'm excited to see what he can bring to the table. We're going to share our experiences. We're going to try and win this ring because it's right there for us to take it," Sayles said.
"For me to have been around this league for the last couple of years and seen a lot of things, I'm more than happy to give my two cents whenever it's needed. But it's never about one person, we have everybody that can lean on each other."
Sayles and his Riders are ready for the challenge of the upcoming season.
"We're not going to be looking back to last year; we have so much going for us this year," Sayles said. "We have so many expectations and I feel like everybody's going to be ready going in."
