Brett Lauther still considers himself ‘Rider for life’ after signing with Ottawa Redblacks

Photo: Reuben Polansky/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

Brett Lauther may be an Ottawa Redblack now, but his heart will never leave Regina.

“If they want to say I’m an adopted son, I would take it, but I don’t think you can say that yourself,” the 35-year-old kicker told 620 CKRM’s The SportsCage.

“I met some of my best friends for life here, the (Roughriders) organization’s been top-notch, people here that I’ll consider family for life. Met my wife out here, had our daughter here, lots of growing up here, and it was the best times ever. That’s all I have is really good memories and nothing but good things to say about the whole organization, the fans and my time here. It’s a little surreal to look back on how long I’ve been playing and to finish it with a Grey Cup — yeah, it’s been kind of the best ride ever for me.”

Lauther was released by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in January after spending the past eight years with the organization. The Truro, N.S., native had a difficult 2025 campaign, making 39-of-54 field goal attempts, a 72.2 percent conversion rate, as he battled through a nagging back injury. It was the lowest mark in the CFL last season.

He also made a league-worst 91.2 percent of his converts and missed a 39-yard field goal attempt in the fourth quarter during the 112th Grey Cup against Montreal, drawing considerable ire. However, Lauther, who continued to do charity work with the Roughrider Foundation after he was released, feels the outpouring of support that he’s received has only made him more appreciative of the Green and White faithful.

“It means everything. These people here, I’m forever thankful for them. Definitely consider myself a Rider for life,” he said. “My wife and I lived here in the offseasons, so many different communities and school visits and teachers and kids over the years, and so many people reaching out. That’s what makes playing for the Riders the best place to play in Canada — the fans and the support and everything over the years.”

Lauther is headed to the nation’s capital for the 2026 season after signing with the Redblacks — his first change of scenery since 2018. Ottawa is banking that he can return to form as a placekicker, while adding considerable extra value thanks to his big leg on kickoffs.

The former West Division all-star has used this tumultuous offseason to get healthy and has also altered his technique entering his 14th year as a professional in the hopes of restoring his accuracy.

“I actually made a pretty significant (change) this year, compared to probably most, trying to change up a little bit, be a little more accurate this upcoming season, but not lose power,” Lauther explained.

“One of the things I’ve done the whole time since I’ve been out here was the jab step before I kick. Did it my whole time as a Rider and I kind of took that out. It took a while in the offseason, especially once I was cleared, to start getting the kick. It’s a little bit different with the steps and everything. It’s probably something that’s pretty minor from the naked eye.”

“This year, especially, it’s probably been a lot less on-field, in the gym work in total, but the last couple of months have been full steam ahead. I’m feeling really good, back to normal, and really excited to have another opportunity to even play.”

While opportunity has pulled him away from his adopted home, don’t expect Lauther to stay away from Regina for long.

“Even if we are going to play somewhere else and are moving on, we’re definitely still going to come back and see lots of friends and family and stuff like that in the offseason,” he insisted.