INSPIRATION FOR FAJARDO
QB’S wife in town to watch husband play in green and white for first time
QB’S wife in stands as Riders clash with Bombers
Cody Fajardo’s biggest fan will be among the spectators Saturday when the Saskatchewan Roughriders play host to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Laura Fajardo, the quarterback’s wife, is visiting Regina and will see her husband play in person for the first time since he signed with the Roughriders as a CFL free agent during the off-season.
“That’s why the game will be nerve-racking for me, because she’ll be in the stands,” Cody Fajardo said during Friday’s media availability at Mosaic Stadium.
“It’s not really the opponent or anything else. It’s just knowing that she’s there. I may be a little bit nervous to start, but just like when my dad was here (for the Labour Day Classic on Sept. 1), I would look into the stands and it would calm me. I know that adversity will hit because that’s a really good football team and just knowing that she’s there will help calm me.”
Fajardo isn’t the only one looking forward to his wife’s visit. A number of fans have offered to show Laura around.
“That’s really cool with the fans not only wanting the best for me, but for my family,” Fajardo said. “When my dad was up here they treated him like a celebrity and he absolutely loved that. You can’t get that royalty feel anywhere else. That’s what is so big for me and what Saskatchewan brings is that family feel. I’ve felt really welcomed here and it has driven me to loving this place more.”
Could those warm feelings sway Fajardo when to comes to determining his future in the CFL?
He’s on a one-year deal and would be eligible to become a free agent in February if he doesn’t resign with the Riders.
Fajardo told the Sportscage’s Derek Taylor on Wednesday that there is the desire for stability and a contract ranging from two to four years.
“That’s one of the things that I have to iron out with my agent,” Fajardo said.
“I’m taking it week by week, trying to win football games and setting this team up to give us a good chance in the playoffs and to make a push at going to the Grey Cup.”
Cody and Laura met while they were student-athletes at the University of Nevada.
They were married on March 16 in Reno, Nev., slightly more than a month after the Riders signed him.
At the time, Fajardo was supposed to be a backup quarterback, but everything changed three plays into the season when starter Zach Collaros sustained a concussion. Fajardo was quickly elevated to a No. 1 role, in which he has excelled.
Cody and Laura Fajardo haven’t spent much time together since the CFL season started, because Laura is pursing a master’s degree in physical therapy at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Due to Cody remaining in Regina during the team’s recent bye week, the Fajardos haven’t seen each other in two months.
“Her taking time out of school to see me and me getting away from football for a little bit to spend time with her made me realize that family is everything,” Cody said.
Fajardo has yet to make plans regarding what the couple will do on Sunday, which is his day off. On Monday, Laura returns to Washington.
“It depends on how the game goes,” Cody said with a laugh.
“She knows that and she understands what happens in the game. Still, she keeps asking me where we’re going and hopes that I have something planned. I’m procrastinating a little bit and I will have to wing it here towards the end.”
The Riders and Blue Bombers have both secured playoff berths, but post-season positions are on the line. The teams have split the season series to date, so the winner of Saturday’s game would have the edge if they are tied after the regular season.
Head-to-head play is the first tiebreaker.
Family ties are also a primary consideration, considering Laura Fajardo’s presence in the stands.
“At the end of the game, win, lose or draw, I know that she’s going to love me unconditionally,” Cody said, “and that’s the most I can ask for.”