CALGARY — Cody Fajardo will face the team he led to a championship when the Edmonton Elks meet the Montreal Alouettes in Sunday’s Grey Cup, bringing a personal edge to his latest opportunity to win a title.

The 34-year-old quarterback told reporters at Thursday’s CFL media day that Montreal’s decision to move on from him still provides motivation, according to reporting by Sportsnet’s David Morassutti.

Fajardo joined Montreal in 2023 and won his first Grey Cup as a starting quarterback that season. The Alouettes then posted the league’s best regular-season record in 2024 before losing in the East Division final. Afterward, Montreal committed to Davis Alexander at quarterback, leaving Fajardo facing another change of teams.

“What fires me up the most is that, finally in my career, I felt like I was playing really good football and I still wasn’t enough for somebody,” Fajardo said.

He nevertheless acknowledged Montreal’s success under Alexander, saying the club had made the right decision. Alexander, 28, was named the CFL’s most outstanding player this season and is preparing for his second consecutive Grey Cup start.

When Montreal general manager Danny Maciocia asked whether he preferred a trade or release, Fajardo chose a trade. He said a team’s willingness to give something up to acquire him would demonstrate that he was wanted.

Edmonton general manager Ed Hervey brought him in to join Tre Ford. Fajardo arrived without a guaranteed starting role, but now has the Elks one victory from a championship. Head coach Mark Kilam said retaining Fajardo as the team’s quarterback was his first priority in planning for the 2026 season, citing his leadership and competitive edge.

The matchup also puts Fajardo opposite Montreal coach Jason Maas, whose influence he continues to value. During the cancelled 2020 season, Maas spent a week with Fajardo in Maryland studying the offence.

“I wouldn’t be where I’m at today without Coach Maas,” Fajardo said.

Alexander also credited his former teammate with helping shape his career, ranking Fajardo’s influence just behind Anthony Calvillo’s. He said the two remain close friends.

For Fajardo, the championship he already owns has shifted his focus toward teammates still seeking that achievement.

“I can call myself a champion for the rest of my life,” he said. “I want those guys to do the same thing.”

Sources