Italian DE Habakkuk Baldonado wins Grey Cup with Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Saskatchewan Roughriders celebrated a huge win this past weekend defeating the Montreal Alouettes 25-17 in the 112th Grey Cup and defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado from Rome, Italy played a key role. Baldonado’s performance was crucial in helping to keep Montreal quarterback Davis Alexander under constant pressure throughout the game.
Baldonado’s impact on the game
In the championship game, Baldonado recorded two tackles and was instrumental in disrupting the Alouettes‘ offensive rhythm. His relentless pursuit of the quarterback was a key factor in the Roughriders‘ defensive strategy. Teammate Jesse Mirco, an Australian punter, also contributed significantly, averaging 49.3 yards on six punts, with a long of 69 yards, helping to flip the field position in favor of Saskatchewan.
A select group of Global players
Baldonado’s achievement places him among a select group of Global players who have made their mark in the CFL. Germany’s Thiadric Hansen was the first Global player to win a Grey Cup, contributing to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers victories in 2019 and 2021, and later joining the Toronto Argonauts for their 2024 win. Additionally, Australian punter Joseph Zema was part of the Montreal Alouettes team that won the Grey Cup in 2023.
Baldonado’s journey to the CFL
Before joining the Roughriders midway through the 2023 season, Baldonado spent training camp with the New York Giants after going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. The 6’5″, 260-pound defensive lineman had impressed during the preseason, recording four tackles, a sack, and a pass defended. He was selected in the second round of the CFL Global Draft by the Roughriders, marking a significant step in his professional career.
Collegiate and early football career
Baldonado’s football journey began in Rome, where he played for the Lazio Marines before moving to the United States as an exchange student. He made a name for himself in Florida, racking up an impressive 30 sacks in just seven games during his high school season. He later played five seasons at the University of Pittsburgh, where he recorded 99 tackles and 15 sacks, earning Second-Team All-ACC honors in 2021.
With his Grey Cup victory, Habakkuk Baldonado not only adds to his personal accolades but also showcases the growing international presence in Canadian football, inspiring future Global players in the CFL.
