Pedersen leaving broadcast booth after 20 years as voice of Roughriders

Rod Pedersen, the voice of the CFL’S Saskatchewan Roughriders, announced his resignation on Wednesday to pursue an undisclosed opportunity.

Pedersen, 46, had served as the Riders’ play-by-play man for 20 years. He also handled the same role with the WHL’S Regina Pats for 15 seasons and two seasons with the Prince Albert Raiders.

“I have another opportunity that I can’t divulge at this time,” Pedersen said Wednesday. “I thought it was best for everybody that we all move on. Maybe the next person can commit 100 per cent to it.”

Pedersen, who has an interest in Famoso Neapolitan Pizza, has become involved in other business opportunities. He’s a sobriety coach, assisting people in their recovery from drug and alcohol issues. He also recently published a book on the history of the SJHL.

Pedersen has done that while juggling his play-by-play role with the Riders and serving as the host of CKRM’S Sports Cage for eight years. “As you can see, I’m into a lot of things and it was just time for a change after 20 years,” Pedersen said.

Jason Huschi, CKRM’S general manager, said they will now begin a search for Pedersen’s replacement.

“I have no clue (who that will be),” Huschi said. “As you can understand, this only came to us in the last day or two. He asked for us to help him out and let him go. We felt during our discussions that he has earned the opportunity to see what he’s going to do.”

Pedersen said a highlight of his tenure with the Riders was having a “front-row seat to all of the ups and downs with the franchise over 20 years,” including Grey Cup victories by the Green and White in 2007 and 2013.

“I don’t think there is anybody that has seen every single snap for 20 years and that’s pretty cool,” Pedersen said.