‘Patiently waiting’: Years of hard work pays off for Riders’ Brooks Jr., DB to make first start Friday

Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back Antoine Brooks Jr (33) intercepts a pass as BC Lions receiver Ayden Eberhardt (19) looks on during the second half of CFL football action in Regina, Saturday, June 28, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu (Heywood Yu/The Canadian Press)

Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back Antoine Brooks Jr. will get the nod at the strongside cornerback position Friday against the Calgary Stampeders, making his first start in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

“I’m excited,” Brooks Jr. told CTV News Thursday. “I’ve been patiently waiting for my time to come and I’ve been taking the opportunities when they come to me.”

It has been a long journey to the CFL for Brooks.

In 2020, he was drafted by the Pittsburg Steelers in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.

He bounced between the practice and active rosters of the Steelers and L.A. Rams before he was released by Los Angeles at the end of the 2021 season.

The University of Maryland product ended up in the XFL and UFL before signing with the Roughriders in April 2024, where he spent the majority of time on the practice roster again.

“I had some angry issues trying to cope with not playing,” Brooks admitted. “But that’s everybody. I love football to death.”

“I’d do anything to just play football,” he added.

Breakout moment

Despite the challenges and lack of playing time, the years of hard work seemingly culminated in Week 4 against B.C.

In the fourth quarter Lions’ quarterback aired out a throw to Ayden Eberhardt. Brooks jumped the route and made a diving catch to intercept the pass.

The turnover eventually leading to the Riders’ final touchdown of the game, putting the final touches on a 37-18 Saskatchewan win.

“I didn’t really see it coming. I just played football,” Brooks said. “What you have to do to get the quarterback to throw you the ball is key. Plus, the pick was something else.”

“I just want to get more,” he added.

More opportunities are what he will get.

Despite being named the starter for Friday’s game, Brooks remained humble, crediting his teammates and coaching staff for their belief in him.

“I always go to [Rolan Milligan Jr.], [Marcus] Sayles, [C.J.] Reavis and ask questions,” he said. “I always try to make the little things. I think they see I’m trying to get better so they encourage me to keep [my] patience.”

The head coach has noticed, too.

“You love seeing guys being rewarded for their hard work and their patience,” Corey Mace told reporters about Brooks’ play. “He definitely falls in that category. And [I’m] just excited for the guy to go out there and have that moment.”

“[Brooks] is probably a guy that starts on a lot of football teams across this league and we’re happy as ever he’s with us,” he added.

Saskatchewan hosts Calgary at Mosaic Stadium Friday night. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. CST.