Former Auburn receiver back from knee injury for CFL’s kickoff
Players from Alabama high schools and colleges are preparing for the football league’s kickoff weekend.
Olivia Bennett 
The Canadian Football League is back, and with it, several notable players with ties to Alabama football programs are gearing up for the 2026 season. Among the storylines to watch is the return of former Auburn receiver Nick Mardner, who is ready to retake the field after missing the 2025 campaign due to a training-camp knee injury.
Mardner’s journey back to the gridiron was defined by an extensive rehabilitation process. After spending the 2023 season at Auburn, the wideout is looking to replicate his 2024 production with the Ottawa Redblacks, where he previously notched 26 receptions for 300 yards and three touchdowns across 17 starts. Speaking to the Redblacks' official website, Mardner emphasized that his rigorous offseason training—focused on mobility and strengthening—has provided him the necessary confidence to trust his left leg in high-intensity moments.
Former Auburn Tigers in the CFL
Mardner isn't the only former Tiger making noise north of the border. As the CFL kicks off its season this week, punter Oscar Chapman is set to suit up for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, while linebacker Derrick Moncrief joins the Calgary Stampeders. Meanwhile, former Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne, who attended training camp with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, was recently placed on the team's suspended list. Blue Bombers coach Mike O’Shea noted that the move allows Winnipeg to retain Thorne’s rights while the player addresses personal matters.
Season Kickoff Schedule
The CFL’s 21-week regular season gets underway Thursday at 6:30 p.m. CDT with the Montreal Alouettes facing the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The action continues Friday at 8 p.m. with Winnipeg taking on Calgary, followed by the Redblacks hosting the Edmonton Elks at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
Spotlight on Rolan Milligan Jr.
Perhaps the most decorated player with Alabama ties in the league is Rolan Milligan Jr. A former UAB standout who finished his collegiate career at Toledo, Milligan is coming off another All-CFL season and a 112th Grey Cup championship victory with the Roughriders. Milligan, who previously saw action in 11 games for the Indianapolis Colts in 2019, will open his sixth CFL campaign on June 13 against the British Columbia Lions. Reflecting on his success, Milligan credits his consistent approach to preparation: “I’ve got to make sure everything is on point the way it’s supposed to be because that’s how they’re going to be when it’s time to play.”
