Neal Hughes stepped aside today from the Saskatchewan Roughriders, potentially making room for the next great national fullback. The Riders selected fullback Matthew Rea 35th overall in the fourth round of the 2015 CFL Draft.
Undrafted in 2004, Hughes was almost immediately offered a contract by then General Manager Roy Shivers. He earned the nickname “white chocolate” in training camp when Rider quarterback Nealon Green was impressed by his speed and agility.
Through a storied 11-year career, played exclusively in Regina, Hughes racked up some serious stats and accomplishments that included four West Final wins and two Grey Cup championships in 2007 and 2013.
Often overlooked by opposing teams, Hughes made key gains for the Riders offence and scored at critical junctures in games. The 2007 West Final comes to mind, where Hughes was untouched out of the backfield, scoring a touchdown on a short pass from Kerry Joseph.
Hughes was a leader on and off the field and he will be missed by fans and former teammates. I don’t expect him to stray far from the Riders as he welcomes the next chapter of life, but only he knows.
Press release:
Neal Hughes Steps Aside
The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today national fullback Neal Hughes is retiring from the Canadian Football League.
Hughes is a veteran of eleven CFL seasons and played 140 career regular season games after making his Rider debut July 16, 2004. The Regina, SK native was originally signed as a free agent in April, 2004 after a standout career at the University of Regina.
Spending the entirety of his career in Green and White, Hughes totaled 70 carries for 277 rushing yards and eight touchdowns while adding 46 catches for 505 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He also registered 18 kickoff returns for 246 yards, one punt return for 21 yards and is third all-time in Rider special teams tackles with 100.
He is a two-time Grey Cup champion having won with the Roughriders in 2007 and again in 2013.
