A.J. Ouellette acquires ‘dad strength’ for 2026 CFL season with Saskatchewan Roughriders

Photo courtesy: Sammie DeMedeiros/SammieDePhotography.

Saskatchewan Roughriders’ running back A.J. Ouellette did not undergo a viral body transformation in the offseason — but he has gained dad strength.

Isla Jo was born on Friday, March 6 as Ouellette and his girlfriend, Caitlyn Amaral, welcomed a daughter into the world.

“I was expecting the worst when it comes to having a baby sleeping, and she’s been awesome. I’m getting up at night and I’m doing all that stuff, but Caitlyn’s been super woman, doing more than probably what she is cleared to do,” Ouellette told 3DownNation.

“It’s been extra motivation for me. Watching Caitlyn handle her and the way that she’s transformed into a mother, I no longer play this game because I just love playing it. I still love playing it, but now I’m playing it to make sure I have a paycheque for those two.”

Ouellette has been enjoying fatherhood and embracing being a girl dad. He’s been doing ballerina twirls and gymnastic spins with Isla in his hands. He called his daughter a “champ” and plans to let her know when she’s older how “easy” it has been to handle her as a baby. Isla might even have a knock-on effect for him on the football field.

“I think that dad strength — I’m waiting for it to kick in, as long as I don’t get the low back pain — but more passion, I get to play for one more person. Adding another person to my circle is an extra level of commitment I have,” Ouellette said.

“I don’t want to say calm me down, but everybody was so glad when I announced that I was having a girl. Coaches were like, ‘Good, you need to chill. You need to not be so psycho.’ It brings it around to my childhood, what I want to give her, make sure I have the opportunity to give her what she needs and deserves.”

The 30-year-old has already transitioned from bachelor life to family mode. He won’t live in a trailer at a camp ground on the prairies anymore. Instead, the Ouellette family found a house located on Regina’s south side with a fenced-in backyard. That extra space is much-needed as there are two dogs and one cat to go along with the couple and their daughter.

“My camping days are over, there’s no more camper,” Ouellette said. “Kind of feel like a full family now, like a dad — I’m not camping, playing football.”

Ouellette signed a one-year extension in February, but told 3DownNation he wanted “a couple years” on his contract. The five-foot-eight, 208-pound all-around back plans to play until the passion for football leaves him. In an ideal scenario, he would three-peat with the Riders and retire after the 2027 season.

“You win three in Sask, I think I have to retire,” Ouellette said.

No. 45 is taking it year-to-year in his football career and day-to-day in his life as a father.

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