Before kicking off a new season of CFL football at Commonwealth Stadium on Sunday (June 11), the Edmonton Elks are paying tribute to the late Christian Saulsberry.
And with every moment that follows in 2023, Saulsberry will remain top of mind with his Elks brotherhood.
“Winning the Grey Cup is something that we al want to do, and playing for Christian is my biggest thing this year,” says Elks wide receiver and fellow Memphis native Dillon Mitchell. “This season we’re going to celebrate his life and go out there and win for him.”
Saulsberry, who had a terrific rookie season with the Elks in 2022, was tragically killed at age 25 last December. During his short time with the Green and Gold last year, the running back and return specialist left an impact far greater in measure.
“He’s a guy that brought a spark that we needed to get through some of the times that were tough last year,” Elks running back coach Jordan Linnen says. “Christian was always there with his infectious smile just making sure to light up the room and keep everyone’s spirit up. He was a guy that wanted to make sure everyone around him was happy.”
In eight games with Edmonton last season, Saulsberry racked up nearly 1,000 yards combined from kickoffs, punts and missed field goals. The five-foot-eight dynamo recorded the 2022 CFL season single-game high for kick return yards, with 175 against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Week 18. His punt return average of 12.4 yards was the highest of any Edmonton player with at least 15 punt returns over the past 25 years.
We asked and you answered. Christian Saulsberry is this years Fan Favourite recipient. 💛💚
Inspiring us all on and off the field, you’ll always be in our hearts.
FULL STORY | https://t.co/MP6uBG9e4v#OurTeamOurCity #GoElks #CFL pic.twitter.com/b8PyrZ7u6k
— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) January 11, 2023
Saulsberry won the Fan Favourite category in the inaugural Elks Fan Awards, voted on exclusively by fans. To his Double-E teammates, Saulsberry was affectionately known as “Tadpole” or “Waterbug”.
“He was definitely somebody special,” says Saulsberry’s roommate, Elks running back Kevin Brown. “They don’t come like him. He was taken way too early, but I know that he’s watching down us, and he knows that we’re going to tear this league up. This whole season is for Saulsberry.”
Saulsberry will be honoured prior to kickoff Sunday. All Elks players are wearing special memorial decals on their helmets, and Saulsberry’s jersey number, 25, has been painted in both endzones for the game.