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Riders' Mario Alford named CFL's top special-teams player

REGINA — Mario Alford of the Saskatchewan Roughriders was named the CFL’s top special-teams player Thursday. The announcement came during the CFL awards banquet, with voting conducted by the Football Reporters of Canada and nine league coaches.
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Most outstanding special teams player, returner Mario Alford of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, holds up his trophy during the CFL Awards in Regina, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

REGINA — Mario Alford of the Saskatchewan Roughriders was named the CFL’s top special-teams player Thursday.

The announcement came during the CFL awards banquet, with voting conducted by the Football Reporters of Canada and nine league coaches.

Earlier this week, Alford signed a contract extension with the Riders. He was slated to become a free agent in February.

Alford had a CFL-high four return TDs this season (two kickoff, one punt, one missed field goal) in 13 regular-season games.

His four return touchdowns were a Saskatchewan team record.

Chandler Worthy of the Montreal Alouettes was the finalist.

The Riders acquired Alford from Montreal on July 3 for a 2023 sixth-round draft pick.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 17, 2022.

The Canadian Press