Argos’ Grant quietly moving up all-time CFL’s kick-return TDs ranks

But Grant, 32, has ascended the CFL ranks without fanfare. That’s not surprising as the five-foot-nine, 175-pound American is a quiet individual who never toots his own horn. When he does speak, it’s to credit his teammates, family or his faith in God for his lofty accomplishments.

When it comes to scoring touchdowns, that’s no big deal for Grant as he expects to find the end zone every time he gets his hands on the ball.

“That’s my job and my goal,” Grant said matter-of-factly following Toronto’s practice Tuesday at Alumni Stadium. “Every time I get the ball in my hands I’m trying to take it back.

“I’m always confident, I’ve been like that since I was little. Just have to keep it going.”

Friday night’s punt-return touchdown was Grant’s first since Aug. 9, 2024 when he took one back 86 yards for a score in Toronto’s 39-25 win over the Calgary Stampeders. He was named the CFL’s top special-teams player that year and helped the Argos capture the Grey Cup.

Grant leads the CFL in punt-return yards this season (228 from 13 returns, 17.5-yard average, TD) and stands third in kickoff returns (10 for 241 yards).

Toronto (2-1) visits Calgary (1-2) on Thursday night in what’s a short week for both teams. The Stampeders defeated B.C. 41-33 on Saturday night.

Argos head coach Mike Miller, who was the club’s quarterback coach last season, said he never saw Grant press or try to do too much as he returned punts in 2025.

“I think sometimes you can be a victim of your own success,” Miller said. “I think the expectation he sets game in and game out is probably not realistic for everybody outside of it.

“It’s extremely hard what Janarion does, there are so many moving parts, but I’ve never seen any difference from him, his approach, the way he executes. I just think it’s just one of those things that it’s extremely hard what he and that unit are doing.”

Grant opened the scoring Friday night with his return. That play, Miller said, was huge for Toronto, especially considering it came at Mosaic Stadium versus a Roughriders team that had won its opening two regular-season games.

“It’s such a tremendous lift that it’s almost indescribable,” Miller said. “The science of the game, as we say, shows the probability of winning with a return, interception return or scoop and score go up exponentially.

“That’s just on the scoreboard but what it does to the momentum, adrenalin, the lift and energy, it’s just tremendous.”

But again, Grant said it’s his job to set the tone for Toronto and give the team a timely boost.

“Most definitely, it always sets a tone,” he said. “I always look to give the team a spark, without a doubt.

“As long as I have a chance to be able to take it back, I just give it to God — I couldn’t do it without him — my teammates and my family as well.”

Toronto’s special teams figured prominently in the win as veteran kicker Lirim Hajrullahu booted four field goals.

“As good a player as Janarion is he’s an even better person,” Miller said. “He has the track record and experience, plays with great vision and is another guy who takes great pride in his work and is very passionate.

“But he’d be the first to give credit to Mickey Donovan (Toronto’s special-teams coach) and the players around him, who might be more excited when they see Janarion pop loose. It’s a team effort, for sure, but as I often find myself saying, when people ask me about our players, we’re sure excited JG is an Argo.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 30, 2026.

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Argos’ Grant quietly moving up all-time CFL’s kick-return TDs ranks

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