Neal Hughes

Neal Hughes (born July 2, 1980) is a Canadian former professional football player for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Hughes, who is of Métis heritage,

Saskatchewan Roughriders After an outstanding collegiate career, Hughes signed a free agent contract with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in April 2004. Under head coach Danny Barrett, he spent much of his time as backup fullback to Chris Szarka, while also playing on special teams. He had his first reception against Winnipeg in the Banjo Bowl in 2007 and had his first carry on October 21, 2007 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and scored his first CFL touchdown five days later against the Edmonton Eskimos on a four-yard run. He also added a receiving touchdown in the West Final playoff game against the BC Lions.

In 2008, Hughes enjoyed a breakout season recording 35 carries for 130 yards and four touchdowns and 16 receptions for 187 yards and three touchdowns. His seven touchdowns was only second on the team behind Wes Cates, despite playing in only 12 games due to a leg injury that took him out of most of August and September. Hughes also led the team in special teams tackles, with 21 to his credit. Due to a nagging knee injury, Hughes sat out for 11 games in 2009 and saw a diminished role in the offense, seeing his first touch of the season in the second-to-last regular season game.

Hughes had a personal web site. He announced his retirement on May 20, 2015.

Hughes was inducted into the Roughriders' Plaza of Honour.