From redshirt rookie to Grey Cup MVP: the resilient journey of Cody Fajardo
In short: After watching Colin Kaepernick dominate the Nevada Wolf Pack, Cody Fajardo waited his turn. He didn't just wait; he became a rare dual-threat phenomenon, eventually carving out a legendary, nomadic career across the Canadian Football League as a championship-winning leader.
Cody Fajardo’s path to professional stardom was defined by patience and versatility. After redshirting in 2010 behind future NFL star Colin Kaepernick, Fajardo emerged as a powerhouse for the Nevada Wolf Pack. He became only the second player in NCAA history to achieve the rare feat of 9,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards, a milestone previously reached only by Kaepernick. His collegiate career was marked by high-scoring efficiency, totaling 101 touchdowns at Nevada and earning him induction into the Nevada Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024.
While his 2015 NFL draft journey ended without being selected, Fajardo found his footing in the Canadian Football League. His career has been a whirlwind of movement through several franchises, including the Toronto Argonauts, BC Lions, and Saskatchewan Roughriders. In Toronto, he played a pivotal role in the 2017 championship, scoring a game-winning touchdown with just 23 seconds remaining in the East Final. His time in Saskatchewan saw him set franchise records for passing yards in a debut start, though his tenure there ended abruptly following a challenging 2022 season.
The pinnacle of his professional career arrived with the Montreal Alouettes. In the 110th Grey Cup in 2023, Fajardo delivered a masterful performance, throwing three touchdowns—including the decisive score with 13 seconds left—to secure a 28–24 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Despite facing injuries and roster shifts in 2024, Fajardo's resilience led to a significant trade to the Edmonton Elks in late 2024. After stepping into the starting role during the 2025 season, he proved his enduring capability by passing for over 3,400 yards.
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