Cody Fajardo’s Persistence Brings Austin Mack to Edmonton Elks and Grey Cup

a generic, unbranded leather football resting on a cold, frost-dusted artificial turf field during an overcast autumn afternoon, with blurred empty stadium blea

AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.

Fajardo’s Off-Season Efforts Land Veteran Receiver

When the Montreal Alouettes released receiver Austin Mack, Edmonton Elks quarterback Cody Fajardo took on the task of persuading his former teammate to join him. Fajardo recounted calling Mack nearly 300 times in the off-season to secure his commitment. Mack, aware of Fajardo's usually quiet off-seasons, realized the quarterback's urgency. According to Mack, "You know when Cody's calling you off-season, it's important."

Contract and On-Field Impact

The Elks signed the 29-year-old wide receiver to a two-year contract in January. In his first year with Edmonton, Mack became a dominant presence, leading the team with a career-high 1,254 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches. Mack's performance helped propel Edmonton to the Grey Cup final—their first appearance since 2015.

Grey Cup Experience and Motivation

Both Fajardo and Mack face their former club, the Montreal Alouettes, in the upcoming Grey Cup game in Calgary. Mack will be appearing in his third CFL championship game in four years. He and Fajardo won the Grey Cup together with Montreal in 2023, where Mack tallied 103 receiving yards on six catches. When asked whether this game serves as a chance for payback against his former team, Mack downplayed the narrative, stating, "I don't care. You're in the Grey Cup. Maximize this week, have no regrets and try to come out on top."

Veteran Leadership and Locker Room Presence

Fajardo’s recruitment was driven by a desire to add experience to Edmonton’s roster. "We needed an Austin Mack in our receiving crew, because we had a lot of good receivers, but we had a lot of young guys," Fajardo stated. He cited Mack’s championship pedigree and professionalism as defining qualities. Head coach Mark Kilam echoed this sentiment, noting Mack’s big-play ability and leadership: "He really came in with the attitude of 'what do you need from me?' He's delivered on all those fronts."

Preparing Teammates for the Big Stage

Mack has been a guiding force for teammates experiencing their first championship week. He emphasized sticking to routines and remaining focused amidst the distractions of Grey Cup week. "Don't get outside of your comfort zone. Don't do anything different. Try and eat good food, try and stay in routine, get good sleep, and just stay on top of things," he advised.

Edmonton’s Journey Back to the Grey Cup

The Elks advanced to the Grey Cup final after defeating the B.C. Lions 28-16 in the West Final, drawing a crowd of roughly 40,000. Head coach Mark Kilam, familiar with Calgary’s McMahon Stadium from his previous 20 years with the Calgary Stampeders coaching staff, led the team through their final preparations ahead of Sunday’s title game against Montreal.