Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive tackle Micah Johnson leads the CFL with six sacks. (Saskatchewan Roughriders/Submitted)

By CJME Staff

LABOUR DAY CLASSIC

Riders’ Micah Johnson enjoying on-field success with family close by

Aug 30, 2024 | 3:54 PM

Micah Johnson isn’t only just having one of his best CFL seasons — he’s also getting a chance to see his son follow in his footsteps.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive tackle has been travelling to Moose Jaw where his 13-year-old son JaCorian is playing minor football.

“It’s been crazy because you would never understand the nerves you have for that,” said the 36-year-old. “I don’t have nerves for our games — it’s routine and it’s nothing. When he’s about to play, it’s like every play I am on eggshells watching him. It’s been fun though.”

That calming presence in his own games has allowed Johnson to enjoy a very productive 11th season in the CFL.

He leads the league with six sacks thus far and is on pace to reach around 10 sacks this season. The only other time he has reached double digits was when he had 14 in 2018.

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“It feels good. I do a good job of taking care of my body,” Johnson said. “It’s always just about keeping up. Every off-season I am excited to work out and make improvements and gains.”

Johnson, who played in Saskatchewan in 2023, was a free agent but wanted to return to the Riders in the off-season and play under new head coach Corey Mace.

Johnson and Mace were teammates with the Calgary Stampeders before Mace joined the Stamps’ coaching staff.

“I was telling coach Mace you put me into your defence and I’m going to have a big-time year,” Johnson said. “I think the opportunities are coming and, for me, it’s about keeping the body and keeping shape and being mentally sharp in it.”

Mace isn’t surprised by Johnson’s success.

“I was there when he had 14 at the same position. He holds himself to a high standard,” Mace said. “I’m happy how he has been playing to this point. There’s a lot of games left — can you maintain or elevate?”

What’s made these past couple of seasons extra special for Johnson is having his family in the Queen City — a priority of his.

“This province has meant a lot to my family. For a while, my family was in America and the older you get, that’s one of the hardest parts about it — I start having more kids and leaving the kids at home. That part I didn’t want to deal with it any more. I knew I still wanted to play and I still do,” Johnson said.

“I told my family if I’m going to keep playing, I wanted everybody to come up here and make it a thing so I wouldn’t have to choose between family and ball,” Johnson said. “It’s a great place to raise a family here.”

Johnson and the Riders will try to get back into the win column on Sunday against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Labour Day Classic. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m.

“I still get that excitement, I still get that itch and as the ultimate competitor — whether it is year 11 or year one — I want to be the best or considered one of the best D-tackles in the league,” Johnson said. “That’s my constant motivation.”