Austin Mack says Edmonton quarterback Cody Fajardo recruited him “somewhere around 300 times” during the off-season after Montreal released him.
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Edmonton Elks receiver Austin Mack is heading into Sunday’s Grey Cup game in Calgary after being signed to help bolster Edmonton’s receiving group.
Mack said Montreal released him and that Fajardo then repeatedly pursued him during the off-season, describing the effort as “somewhere around 300 times in the off-season.” Mack added that he called the number “important,” noting Fajardo’s reputation for rarely talking to anyone in the off-season.
The Elks signed the 29-year-old to a two-year contract in January. In his first season with Edmonton, Mack produced 1,254 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches, both described as career-highs and team-leading figures.
Mack said the Grey Cup matchup against his former club does not change how he approaches the week, telling reporters at McMahon Stadium that “you wouldn’t want to beat any other team” but that the focus is on maximizing the opportunity.
He also described how he is managing the Grey Cup week routine, emphasizing staying within comfort and maintaining regular habits rather than changing what he does day to day.
Edmonton head coach Mark Kilam said Mack brings championship experience and professional preparation to the team’s dressing room, including leadership and the mindset of “what do you need from me?”
Fajardo said he wanted a veteran with big-game experience and explained that, while Edmonton already had good receivers, many were young. He said Mack’s addition was part of the work Edmonton needed to get to where it is now.
Kilam also discussed practice routines at McMahon Stadium, saying the Elks closed practice on Friday, describing how he would close practices “if I could” while noting that in the regular season they rarely do.
The Elks will play the Montreal Alouettes in Sunday’s Grey Cup game in Calgary, with Mack set to face the team that cut him after three seasons.
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