Riders release rookie receiver Ajou Ajou to pursue NFL opportunity

Saskatchewan Roughriders wide receiver Ajou Ajou (80) jumps back over the video boards after running out of bounds during second half CFL football action against the Hamilton Tiger Cats in Hamilton, Ont., Sunday, June 16, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released wide receiver Ajou Ajou, as the Canadian athlete looks to pursue an opportunity south of the border.

The green and white shared a brief statement Wednesday afternoon, announcing Ajou’s departure, as he looks to pursue an opportunity in the National Football League (NFL).

Ajou was selected by the Riders in the seventh round, 59th overall in the 2024 CFL draft.

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He made his debut in the league in Week 2 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Ajou went on to play 12 games during the season, earning 20 receptions for 307 yards and two touchdowns, including a 110-yard breakout performance against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Week 7.