Coming into the Ottawa REDBLACKS’ Week 12 matchup against the BC Lions, receiver Nick Mardner had been targeted just 12 times, accumulating 95 yards.
Mardner, the second-overall pick in the most recent CFL draft, has shown glimpses of his potential during his college career with the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, Cincinnati Bearcats, and Auburn Tigers. Though not the tallest receiver in the league, Mardner quickly gained attention as a potential redzone threat in Ottawa. However, early in his career, this potential hadn’t fully materialized.
Despite limited opportunities on game day, Mardner’s teammates have kept him focused on his goals. Quarterback Dru Brown mentioned that the veterans have been tough on Mardner, noting that if he applies himself, he could become something special.
“It reminds me of my freshman year of college,” Mardner shared. “I’m highly focused on my mistakes and how I can improve. Being the youngest in the room is a unique experience because I was the oldest at Auburn, and now the veterans here are mentoring me. They’re tough on me, but that’s exactly what I expect from them.”
Last week, Nick Mardner finally reaped the benefits of his hard work in practice, scoring a touchdown on a 64-yard catch and run on the first play from scrimmage in the second half.
“Once I made the first guy miss, I knew I was taking it to the crib; I just needed Ack to hold his block for a moment,” Mardner recalled. “I trust my speed, and I’ve been in situations like that before, so it was nothing new. There were some jitters and emotions, but it’s a great memory.”
Standing at six-foot-six, Mardner doesn’t often get the chance to showcase his 4.46-second 40-yard dash speed, but with that play, it became clear: Mardner is fast.
As he crossed the goal line, Mardner fired the football into an advertising banner in the back of the endzone, overwhelmed by the emotions of the moment.
“[I did it] out of passion,” Mardner explained. “It’s been a long road to get to that point, and a lot of emotions came out.”
Later in the third quarter, Brown connected with Mardner again, this time over the middle, allowing him to skip into the endzone for his second touchdown of the night, on just his third reception. While the scores are a personal boost for Mardner, they also carry significant weight with his teammates and coaches.
“It boosts your confidence,” Mardner said. “It’s been a while since I’ve been in the endzone, and it helps my teammates and coaches know they can trust me, so it’s a really good thing overall.”
The celebrations that followed are moments he’ll never forget, as he felt love and support from every direction.
“It was all love,” Mardner shared. “Everyone knows it’s been a work in progress. I started off slow, trying to learn the playbook and adjust to the CFL’s speed, but as time has gone on, I’ve improved, and my teammates have helped me get there. They weren’t surprised because they’ve seen how hard I’ve worked.”
Now more adjusted to the CFL game, Mardner acknowledges that the learning process is ongoing and doesn’t consider himself a star just yet. He knows it takes time and is content with doing the little things and contributing when needed.
“We’re like the Avengers,” Mardner said. “You’ve got guys like Captain America, Thor, and Iron Man—everyone loves and cheers for them. That’s kind of like Justin Hardy, Jaelon Acklin, and Dominique Rhymes, the big names. Then there’s a guy like me who sneaks in and gets the dirty work done, and I’m fully willing to do that. I’m not chasing numbers.”
As the REDBLACKS prepare for a rematch with the Lions in Touchdown Pacific, they’ll be without Acklin, Bralon Addison, and Kalil Pimpleton, leading to changes in the lineup. However, Mardner isn’t worried.
“Everybody has to step up,” he said. “I don’t see it as pressure—it’s an opportunity to lift us up when we’re down and help my team get another win.”