The group includes a pair of individuals who were Grey Cup winners as players with the Stamps – Markus Howell, a member of Calgary’s 2008 championship team, and Ucambre Williams, who hoisted the trophy as a member of the Red and White in 2018.

Other newcomers to the coaching staff are John Bowman, Craig Dickenson, Marcus Klund and Barron Miles. The incoming coaches have a combined 63 years of CFL sideline experience.

Returning coaches include Bob Slowik, who now holds the position of defensive coordinator, and Pat DelMonaco and Beau Baldwin, who respectively retain the titles of offensive coordinator/offensive line coach and quarterbacks coach.

Slowik joined the Stamps as a defensive assistant in 2021 and was Calgary’s linebackers coach the past two seasons. In 2019, he was defensive coordinator for the Montreal Alouettes.

Prior to coming to the CFL, Slowik had a lengthy and distinguished career in the National Football League including stints totaling 10 years as defensive coordinator with the Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos.

His 21 consecutive years as a coach in the NFL started with a position as defensive assistant on the Dallas Cowboys’ Super Bowl-winning team following the 1992 season and concluded with four seasons with Washington from 2010-13.

Calgary Stampeders’ 2025 coaching staff

• Dave Dickenson: General manager and head coach
• Pat DelMonaco: Offensive coordinator and offensive line coach
• Bob Slowik: Defensive coordinator
• Craig Dickenson: Special-teams coordinator
• Beau Baldwin: Quarterbacks coach
• Markus Howell: Receivers coach
• Ucambre Williams: Running backs and assistant offensive line coach
• John Bowman: Defensive line coach
• Marcus Klund: Linebackers coach and run game coordinator
• Barron Miles: Defensive backs coach

In addition, Dwayne Cameron – who served as Calgary’s defensive backs coach for the past five seasons – will now focus exclusively on player-personnel duties with the title of director of Canadian scouting and U.S. scout.

Here is more information about the new coaches:

John Bowman (defensive line coach): Bowman joins the Stampeders after three years as defensive line coach with the BC Lions.

In 2024, he oversaw a group that helped the Lions rank second in the league in sacks. In 2023, the BC defensive line included a record-setting performance by Mathieu Betts, who set a single-season for sacks by a Canadian with 18 and was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player.

As a player, Bowman was a defensive lineman for 13 seasons with the Montreal Alouettes. He was a nine-time division all-star and ranks seventh on the CFL’s all-time list with 134 career sacks. The Brooklyn native was elected to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2023.

Craig Dickenson (special-teams coordinator): Dickenson becomes special-teams coordinator after serving as a senior consultant for the Stamps in 2024. It’s his second stint with the Red and White, having previously been a member of Calgary’s coaching staff for seven years including 2008 when he was part of a Grey Cup-championship team.

Dickenson has 30 years of coaching experience in the CFL, the NFL and the U.S. collegiate ranks. His resume features 20 years on the CFL sidelines and includes a four-year stint as head coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He has also been on coaching staffs with Calgary, Montreal, Winnipeg and Edmonton and has two Grey Cup rings, having also won a title with Edmonton in 2015.

South of the border, Dickenson has coached at the University of Montana, his alma mater, and Utah State as well as for the Chargers and the Raiders in the NFL.

During his playing career, Dickenson was a kicker at Montana. In 1995, Dickenson was part of the coaching staff for a Grizzlies team that won the NCAA Division I-AA national championship.

Barron Miles (defensive back coach): Miles has more than a quarter-century of CFL experience – 12 as an all-star defensive back with the Alouettes and Lions and 14 as a coach including stints as a defensive coordinator with Montreal (2021-22) and Ottawa (2023-24).

In 2024, the Redblacks defence tied BC for the second-most sacks in the league and featured four division all-stars in Lorenzo Mauldin IV, Michael Wakefield, Adarius Pickett and Damon Webb. Mauldin and Webb were also league all-stars.

Miles was previously defensive backs and player development coach with Edmonton from 2016-19, defensive backs coach with Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2015, defensive backs coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders from 2012-14 and defensive assistant with the Lions from 2010-11.

As player, Miles was a 10-time division all-star, a six-time league all-star and a two-time Grey Cup champion. In college, the Roselle, N.J., product starred at the University of Nebraska and was a part of the Cornhuskers’ national-championship team in 1994.

Markus Howell (receivers coach): The Winnipeg native has been a CFL coach for a combined 13 seasons with the Blue Bombers, Roughriders, Lions, Argonauts and, most recently, the Elks.

Howell started his coaching career on the defensive side of the ball as Winnipeg’s linebackers coach in 2011 before becoming the Blue Bombers’ receivers coach in 2012. In 2024, he was Edmonton’s receivers coach and run game coordinator and the Elks pass-catchers featured Eugene Lewis, who had a CFL-best 10 receiving touchdown receptions.

During his 11-year playing career with Calgary, Winnipeg and the Ottawa Renegades, the versatile Howell saw action as a receiver, a defensive back and a kick returner.

Marcus Klund (linebackers coach and run game coordinator): Klund has three years of experience as a CFL coach as he served as defensive backs coach with Saskatchewan in 2022 and 2023 and held the same position with Edmonton in 2024. In 2024, the Elks led the CFL with 25 interceptions.

Prior to coming to the CFL, Klund coached in the U.S. collegiate ranks for 13 years including nine as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo. During his time at Southwest Baptist, 42 members of the Bearcats defence earned all-conference recognition. Klund also spent one season as defensive coordinator at Lindenwood University-Belleville and three on the coaching staff at his alma mater – Lindenwood University in St. Charles. Mo.

As a player, Klund was a four-time conference all-star at safety for the Lions.

Ucambre Williams (running backs and assistant offensive line coach): Williams returns to the organization for which he played 63 regular-season games from 2016 to 2021. The Phenix City, Ala., native was also a guest coach for the Stampeders at 2024 training camp.

Williams was a West Division all-star and Calgary’s nominee for the Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman award in 2017. He made starts at centre and both tackle positions over the course of his time with the Red and White before concluding his career with one season with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2022.

In 2023, Williams was assistant defensive coordinator at Russell County High School in Seale, Ala.

The people you encounter at one point in time and someway, somehow, cross paths with again later in your life.

Ten years ago – on Dec. 13, 2014 – Illinois State (11-1) charged into Roos Field to take on Eastern Washington (11-2) in the NCAA FCS championship quarterfinal.

In his first season as the junior quarterback for the Redbirds after transferring from the Indiana Hoosiers, Tre Roberson piloted the program to an impressive 59-46 victory over Walter Payton award finalist Vernon Adams Jr. and the Eagles.

A decade later, the pair are sharing a locker-room north of the border.

One has moved around the CFL over his eight-year tenure and is about to embark on his first season as a Stampeder, on a mission to secure his first Grey Cup championship and ready to help lead the Red and White back to the organization’s winning ways.

And the other, a 2018 Grey Cup champion who has spent his entire CFL career in Calgary, but no longer extending drives with his legs and throwing balls in tight windows. Instead, the opposite, a veteran cornerback breaking up passes and taking balls the other way for six.

Although their respective football careers have taken them on wildly different journeys since that foggy December day in Cheney, Wash., the former duelling passers still have kept tabs on each other.

“We’ve always kept a close eye on each other, we’ve got a weird connection,” admitted Roberson. “When he was with Montreal, I direct messaged him and told him, ‘You’re a hell of a player, dawg. Don’t let your head down,’ and I also talked to him a couple of weeks ago . . . and told him we’d be excited to have him here and all of that stuff, so we’ve always had a little connection.”

Also in the stadium that day was current quarterbacks coach Beau Baldwin, who spent eight years as the head coach of the EWU Eagles (2008-16), Los Angeles Rams receiver Cooper Kupp, New England Patriots receiver Kendrick Bourne, and present to watch his older brother Cory play, Bo Levi Mitchell, 13 days fresh off of winning the 102nd Grey Cup in Vancouver over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

“It’s a very small world,” said Roberson. “I couldn’t imagine (ending up playing together). I’m living on borrowed time; I had to switch positions so I couldn’t imagine. It’s cool still seeing everybody, I didn’t even know Bo was there (that day) until I got on the (Stampeders).

“You think about all the years that went past and then we get on the same team and have a random conversation and he’s like, ‘That was you? I was at that game!’ and I’m like ‘Yeah, that was me!’ so it’s just crazy.”

Much to Mitchell’s dismay, his alma mater couldn’t keep up with his future teammate’s high-powered offence.

To this day, Roberson clearly remembers the Redbirds’ game plan entering the quarterfinal.

“I remember coming in with the Redbirds, we were coming over from the Midwest in Illinois State and we were familiar with their offence and how dynamic they were,” he explained.

“Vernon was up for the Walter Payton award, and we knew about how dynamic he was, and we knew we had to score a lot of points.

“Whereas with Cooper Kupp we didn’t really know him like that and how he is now, even Kendrick Bourne, and the other receivers they had, we just knew about Vernon.

“But I was coming from Indiana University in the Big Ten, so I came to Illinois State with a swagger, like ‘I’m the best in this league at the quarterback position’, so me going over there, I felt like I was going to show everybody that I was the best. That (Vernon’s) not the best in this league, I’m the best in this league.

“Then I just remember getting on that field and being locked in. It was crazy because it was like we both felt each other’s presence. We both felt like it was one of those days for us to show who ‘the guy’ was.”

From the opening kickoff, Illinois State never let their foot off the gas.

Their standout running back Marshaun Coprich, all-time leader in nearly every rushing category for ISU, ran all over the Eagles, tallying 258 yards on the ground and four rushing touchdowns.

Roberson did his part in proving himself as a bonafide QB, completing 19 passes for 206 yards, and two touchdowns including a movie-esque, one-handed grab from Cameron Meredith in the front corner of the endzone.

The former pivot also made plays with his feet, converting on third and long or fourth and short, and adding a quarterback run for six to his dominant performance.

Competing on the opposite sideline, Adams put up astronomical numbers in the contest.

The aforementioned Walter Payton award finalist completed 25 passes for 425 yards and four total touchdowns (three through the air, and one on the ground).

He was able to engineer a few scoring drives in the fourth quarter, but the 25-point deficit already established by Roberson was too high a hill to climb.

“We were able to get off to a hot start,” Roberson recalled. “Before the game our coach would always ask me, ‘What’s the goal for the offence?’, and every single week there was only one goal: to score on every possession.

“We knew at one point in the season we would have to do that and that was that game against Eastern Washington. We knew that if we didn’t score on every possession and if they started to get hot, they would be hard to stop. Our defence played a hell of a game, too.”

Part of the credit for Illinois State’s success? Roos Field’s famous red turf.

“Man, that’s what got the juices going,” Roberson exclaimed. “When you get on that field, and just their atmosphere, because Vernon was the guy. He had his own theme music when he went out onto the field, he had the energy going, they’re in all red, on the sideline everyone’s pumped up and that was his field.

“It was an unbelievable feeling, an unbelievable game. That’s one of the best games I’ve been part of in my life. It’s a great memory.”

In honour of this signing, I’ve decided to make a list of my Top-10 Rene Paredes moments.

It sounded easy at first, but picking out just 10 moments for someone who’s played in 248 games (including playoffs), has led the league in points on three separate occasions, and has 11 career game-winning field goals on the final play of the game, became a more daunting task than I originally thought.

But I’ve given it my best shot. Hopefully my attempt at this list is near as good as Paredes lining up from 50-plus with the game on the line.

In chronological order, here are my Top-10 moments.

1. Where It All Began

Following an injury to kicker Rob Maver in Week 2 of the 2011 season, undrafted rookie Rene Paredes was called into action.

On July 8 against the BC Lions, the kid from Concordia nailed his first field goal attempt, good for 50 yards. From that moment on, Paredes was the guy and has never missed a game since.

2. Perfect Paredes

In his freshman season, Paredes converted on every extra-point attempt (48/48) and continued that streak into his sophomore year with another 100% conversion rate (49/49).

He was nearly perfect for three straight seasons, missing just one attempt out of 50 in 2013.

3. Paredes Passes Paul

On July 26, 2013, against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, he set a new CFL record for most consecutive field goals made, passing Paul McCallum’s previous record of 30.

I remember 13-year-old me sitting on my couch with my hands clasped together as Paredes lined up for the record-breaking kick and jumping up with glee as he nailed the chip shot from 19 yards out.

“It’s good! He did it!” I exclaimed to the empty basement save for myself.

Paredes extended his streak to 39 consecutive field goals made until it was snapped on Aug. 23 in Toronto.

4. Clutch Classic

There’s been plenty of clutch kicks on the last play of the game over the course of his career, but on Sep. 3, 2018, he made it classic.

His 43-yard field goal with zeroes on the clock lifted the Stamps to a 23-20 win over Edmonton on Labour Day. The win extended Calgary’s LDC win streak to seven in a row.

Looking back at some of our favourite Labour Day Classic moments!

First up Rene Paredes’ game-winning walk-off field goal in 2018 pic.twitter.com/cxsFw2LFbq

— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) August 31, 2023

5. More Milestones for El Matador

After a pause in 2020, the CFL returned to action for the 2021 season and Paredes picked up right where he left off.

In a Week 1 matchup against the Argos, he became the 10th player in CFL history to kick 400 field goals.

In Week 6, he set a new career single-game high by kicking six field goals in a win at Edmonton and matched that figure again in Week 11 at BC.

6. Reliable Rene

This is probably my favourite moment, so I’ll set the scene for you.

It’s July 15, 2023, on the road in Regina.

Mason Fine has entered the game in relief of the injured Trevor Harris and throws up a prayer, Tevin Jones comes down with it to give the Riders a 31-30 lead with 42 seconds left on the clock.

Jake Maier engineers a drive to get the Stamps in field goal range.

Paredes, already 3/3 on the night, lines up on the left hashmarks for the 50-yard attempt.

The clock is at zero.

Mosaic Stadium is roaring.

I’m crouched on the sideline, half covering my face, ready to capture the team’s reaction if it’s good.

Of course, it’s good.

Paredes nails it right down the middle to send us home with the win.

EVERYONE HUG THE GOAT pic.twitter.com/FtkKnq529h

— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) July 16, 2023

7. Walk-off Winnipeg

Speaking of walk-offs, Paredes showed off for the home crowd in Week 4 of the 2024 campaign, sending the Blue Bombers home in overtime to secure the 22-19 victory.

I’ll never tire of running out onto the field and recording the jubilant reactions as we all clamber to pat Rene on the back.

THE REACTION TO RENE’S GAME-WINNER pic.twitter.com/ZxZMQTtH1F

— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) June 30, 2024

8. For Johnny

If you know Rene, you know he’s a class act on the field and off.

The morning of the Labour Day Classic, and only a couple days after the tragic loss of beloved Calgary Flame Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, Paredes arrived at McMahon Stadium wearing his own Johnny Hockey jersey in honour of No. 13.

For Johnny pic.twitter.com/0Aad6IeTAH

— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) September 2, 2024

9. Look at Curry Rene, Man

Steph Curry isn’t the only athlete wearing No. 30 and nailing threes from long distance.

It was just this past season that 39-year-old Paredes hit the longest field goal of his career, a 57-yard attempt that sailed through the uprights with room to spare.

Rene Paredes hits from 57 for the first time in his career!@oktire#LDWeekend #CFLGameDay

: @TSN_Sports & @CBSSportsNet
: CFL+ pic.twitter.com/ZUh36FChr9

— CFL (@CFL) September 2, 2024

10. 225

On Sep. 20, Paredes suited up for his 225th regular season game, the second-most in franchise history, only behind former kicker Mark McLoughlin who played 276 games for the Red and White.

Congratulations, Rene! pic.twitter.com/DXPvDOnMkb

— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) September 21, 2024

Raise your hand, if like me, you can’t wait to see what magic Paredes has in store for the next two seasons.

Acquired by the Stampeders last month in a trade, Adams had signed an extension covering that two-year period in February when he was a member of the BC Lions.

“The restructured contract will give us more salary-cap flexibility to sign free agents and retain our own players who will be eligible for free agency in February,” said Calgary general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson.

“Vernon remains under contract for the next two seasons and we’re excited to have him in Calgary.”

Adams is an eight-year veteran who has played a combined 101 regular-season games with BC, the Montreal Alouettes and the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

In 2024, Adams had a 6-3 record as a starter for the Lions as he completed 197 of 302 passes for 2,929 yards and 16 touchdowns. He had six 300-yard passing games and also carried the ball 40 times for 213 yards and three scores. In the Western Semi-Final, Adams passed for 317 yards and two touchdowns.

For his CFL career, Adams has thrown for 16,190 yards and 96 touchdowns and rushed for 1,644 yards and 24 majors. He has a career record of 38-22 as starting QB in the CFL.

Paredes has played 13 seasons with Calgary – ranking him fourth all-time in franchise history in terms of longevity – and his 229 regular-season games place him second in the Stampeders record books.

“He’s been a mainstay of the organization for a long time and it’s always a big day when René makes a commitment to remain with the Stampeders,” said Calgary general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson. “He’s a big part of the team and he’s a big part of the community.”

“I’m very excited to be back with the organization,” said Paredes. “My family and I love the city and it’s a blessing to have spent my entire career as a Stampeder. The last two seasons have been a challenge for us as a team but I’m looking forward to doing everything I can to help turn things around.”

René Paredes
#30
Kicker
College: Concordia
Height: 5.11
Weight: 196
Born: May 15, 1985
Birthplace: Caracas, VE
National

Born in Venezuela and raised in Montreal, Paredes now calls Calgary home year-round.

In 2024, the Concordia University alumnus played all 18 games and was successful on 41 of 44 field-goal attempts, a 93.2-per cent success rate. He has seven seasons with a field-goal conversion mark of at least 90 per cent, the most in CFL history.

Paredes started the season by going six-for-six on field-goal attempts in a home win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. It was the fifth time in his career Paredes has booted six goals in a regular-season contest. In Week 4 against Winnipeg, he hit a 52-yard field goal to give Calgary an overtime win and, in the Labour Day Classic in Week 13, Paredes established a new career long with a 57-yard field goal.

He played his 225th career game in Week 16 against Saskatchewan, moving into sole possession of second place in franchise history.

Signed as a free agent in 2011, Paredes has played 248 career regular-season and post-season games for the Stampeders and has served as a team captain on 10 occasions. His 2,286 career regular-season points place him eighth on the CFL’s all-time list and he was part of Grey Cup-winning teams in 2014 and 2018.

Following a trade sending him east of the Rocky Mountains, Vernon Adams Jr. arrived in Calgary for the first time as a Stampeder on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old quarterback spent time taking in his new surroundings, touring the home side locker-room at McMahon Stadium for the first time and acquainting himself with coaches, staff and local media.

“I’m taking pictures like it’s the first day of school,” Adams remarked. “I’m excited to be here.”

yup he’s fitting in already pic.twitter.com/xf345rPETH

— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) December 5, 2024

Renowned across the CFL as a ‘quarterback factory’ due to their knack for finding and developing their own pivots including, but not limited to, Jeff Garcia, Dave Dickenson, and Henry Burris, the Adams trade marks the first time the Stamps have actively sought out a QB since trading for Kevin Glenn in January of 2012, who at the time was intended to provide a veteran presence for starting quarterback Drew Tate and backups Brad Sinopoli and Bo Levi Mitchell.

Adams recognizes the winning foundation that Hufnagel, Dickenson and Co. have built in Calgary – a foundation that has trickled across the CFL in present day.

‘Big-Play V.A.’ is confident he can help steer the Stampeders back on track following the organization’s 5-12-1 performance in 2024.

“The team is good here; the system is good,” Adams explained. “You see (Argonauts head coach) Ryan Dinwiddie and (Roughriders head coach) Corey Mace and those teams being successful over there, that’s still a little bit of the Calgary system.

“Now we come here, and we spice it up a little bit, bring in a few more players and have the players we (already) have here be on the same page and let’s get back on track.”

The MOP-calibre passer declares himself a fan of the Stampeder offence and now finds himself inserted in a system he’s admired from afar.

“Watching film and watching Calgary’s offence, I’ve always liked what they’ve done and now we can add a few things here and there and have some fun with it,” he admitted.

The Eastern Washington alum informed he’s already reached out to the receivers and some of the offensive linemen and is looking forward to collaborating with offensive coordinator Pat DelMonaco throughout the off-season.

In preparation for the 2025 campaign, Adams informed he’ll be hosting a mini-camp in his home of Tacoma, Wash. – an initiative he started in Montreal – to create team chemistry and build strong relationships with the offence.

“It takes a village in this league to play good winning football and we’re going to push each other, hold each other accountable and try to be the best group in the league,” he said.
“I want guys here pushing me so I can be the best version of myself for this organization.”

Thanks for the warm welcome, @NHLFlames! pic.twitter.com/yOKDh1AjXc

— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) December 6, 2024

As part of his Cowtown initiation, the Calgary Flames welcomed Adams to the Scotiabank Saddledome on Thursday evening.

Joining him at the ’Dome were Dave Dickenson, Pat DelMonaco, assistant general manager Brendan Mahoney, as well as receivers Malik Henry, Marken Michel, Jalen Philpot and kicker Rene Paredes.

The crew were introduced to the crowd and Harvey the Hound gifted V.A. with his first Flames jersey.

“The love and support I’ve received since the trade has been amazing,” Adams shared with Flames TV host Brendan Parker during the first-period intermission. “These fans are passionate and I’m glad to be here.

“Each year I’m growing more and more, getting better and better. I want to play smarter as I’m getting older and the one thing I’m missing is that championship so I think we have the team to do it here.

“We’ll go through free agency, training camp and then we’ll start building and finding that identity.”

“I’m trying to get to know these guys on a personal level, so when we are out there together (on the field) we’re fighting for each other, and we know we have each other’s backs.”

Only six more months to go until June.

We’re 31 days into the Red and White’s off-season and the club has stayed true to their word when announcing there would be changes made for 2025.

Piece Of The Puzzle

The Stamps acquired MOP-calibre QB Vernon Adams Jr. in a trade with the BC Lions last Tuesday. Also included in the package was a 2025 fourth-round pick (32nd overall) and a 2026 third-round pick in exchange for the Calgary’s 2025 second and fourth-round picks (9th and 25th), and 2026 second-round pick.

Lookin’ good, @bigplay_va pic.twitter.com/Z6TzuENDmM

— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) November 27, 2024

The addition of V.A. is one of the first steps towards a new-look Stampeders group as president Jay McNeil and GM/HC Dave Dickenson continue to reconstruct the team for the 2025 season.

Other Transactions

The team brought back the following National players for next season:
• DL Anthony Federico
• REC Maxim Malenfant
• DB Jackson Sombach

Federico spent time with the team late in the year after signing a contract in mid-September.

Sombach was selected in the 7th round of the 2024 draft and participated in the Stamps rookie camp before being released to return to the University of Saskatchewan Rams. With the Rams this season, Sombach earned second-team all-Canadian honours and was named a Canada West all-star for the second time in his career after recording 38 tackles, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and nine passes defended in 11 games.

Malenfant was also present at Calgary’s rookie camp before suffering a foot injury and his subsequent release. After camp, he returned to the University of Ottawa.

Additionally, 2023 first-round pick Cole Tucker announced his retirement from professional football.

Thank you, Cole! pic.twitter.com/zYXXj1ARIh

— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) November 23, 2024

Livin’ In The Hall Of Fame

Last week, the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame announced its class of 2025, which included long-time equipment manager George ‘Geo’ Hopkins.

The ceremony will take place June 7, at the Red Deer Resort and Casino.

READ MORE

Happy Birthday To Ya

There are 13 Stampeder birthdays in December, the most in any month with two pairings of players celebrating on the same day.

• DB Tyler Richardson – Dec. 5
• QB Matt Shiltz and DL Clarence Hicks – Dec. 7
• REC Mike Harley Jr. – Dec. 13
• QB Tommy Stevens – Dec. 15
• DL Kelon Thomas – Dec. 16
• OL Rodeem Brown – Dec. 17
• DL Kwadwo Boahen – Dec. 18
• REC Rysen John – Dec. 20
• DB Daniel Amoako – Dec. 22
• RB Dedrick Mills and DB Bailey Devine-Scott – Dec. 27
• DL Jaylon Hutchings – Dec. 31

Free Agent Tracker

The CFL revealed its pending free agent list for every club last week.

The Red and White currently have 30 players with contracts set to expire in February.

The CFL Free Agency period opens on Feb. 11, 2025 at 10 a.m. MT.

Known to most as Geo, the longtime equipment manager of the club is synonymous with Stampeders football, leaving his imprint on nearly every aspect of the game.

Next year, he will be recognized for his achievements when he enters the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, class of 2025.

“It’s definitely an honour,” said Hopkins. “I jokingly say you hang around long enough and they don’t know what else to do with you, so they just give you something.

“But it very much is an honour and it’s sweet that I’m going in with Dwayne (Mandrusiak, former equipment manager for Edmonton’s CFL franchise) because we met at the Grey Cup in 1975. I was in Grade 10, he was in Grade 11, we met at that point in time, and we’ve been friends ever since.

“He’s one of the closest people, I went up for his mom’s funeral. We respect each other, and it means a lot to go in with him.”

It’s no secret the life of equipment managers isn’t a glamourous one.

Late nights and early mornings.

Fitting each team member with a customized array of equipment designed to provide maximum protection and safety.

Placing stickers on helmets exactly right, washing the jerseys, preparing the footballs, ordering gloves, socks, armbands, headbands, cleats, eye black and more.

Working meticulously behind-the-scenes to ensure every player, coach and staff member is equipped to perform at the highest level. Even offering a Gatorade and a chair to the digital producer in 35-degree heat as she captures photos of the players’ arrivals on game day (Thank you, Geo!)

For Hopkins, who’s worked more than 1,000 games, it’s more than a job.

“You don’t get tired of the people; you don’t get tired of the situations,” he informed. “Somebody said a longtime ago you get a job that you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life and that’s very true.

“That being said, one of the first years that I was here we were 2-12-2 and that was a long year. This past year was a little tougher in that respect because nobody around here is used to losing or likes to lose, but you do (the job) because you love it. You certainly don’t do it for the recognition.”

Hopkins was the 2023 winner of the CFL’s Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership Award, which honours an individual who has demonstrated great leadership and made significant contributions to the CFL. He was added to the Stampeders Wall of Fame in the builders’ category in 2014.

Over the course of his career, he’s been part of six Grey Cup wins, but there’s one that sticks out amongst the others.

“There’s been a ton of great moments,” said Hopkins, “but honestly, it’s the 1992 Grey Cup, because it was the first Grey Cup that we won (since 1971), and I’d been working for 20 years before I ever went to my first one (1991) and we lost to the Argos which has become all too familiar of a story.

“But in 1992, first play of the game Doug Flutie rolls out and hits Derrick Crawford across the middle for about 45 yards. I turned to Patty Clayton who was the therapist at the time, and I said, ‘We might win this one’, and it was a cake walk.

“That’s the one that I do remember because it was my first Grey Cup, I remember all of them, but I remember that moment like it was yesterday.”

Like anything in life, sports come with joys and sorrows.

Hopkins worked through the Save Our Stamps campaign during the ’80s and the untimely death of Mylan Hicks in 2016.

“The Mylan Hicks death was so tragic. It turned out to be a unifying force for the team that year, but it was really outside the realm of anything you think is possible.

“The one nice thing about being in team sports and being surrounded by a group of individuals like we have here is that the stressful moments don’t last.”

The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at the Red Deer Resort and Casino on Saturday, June 7.

“I’m hoping there’s not a game that day,” said Hopkins, who’s only missed three games in his 53-year career. “I’m optimistic that I will be in Red Deer on the 7th for the ceremony.”

Federico appeared in one game for the Stampeders during the 2024 season and finished the year on the club’s practice roster. Malenfant and Sombach both attended Calgary’s training camp in May before returning to school for their final seasons at the university level.

Anthony Federico
Defensive lineman
College: Queen’s
Height: 6.03
Weight: 235
Born: Nov. 7, 1997
Birthplace: Niagara Falls, ON
National

Federico joined the Stampeders on Sept. 17 after attending training camp with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and then signing and playing two games with the Montreal Alouettes. He made his Calgary debut in Week 18 at BC and recorded one special-teams tackle.

In 26 career Canadian Football League games since being selected in the second round by the Tiger-Cats in the 2022 draft, he has recorded 11 special-teams tackles.

Before turning pro, Federico played 23 games over three seasons at Queen’s. He had 87 career tackles for the Golden Gaels including 34.5 tackles for loss as well as 20.5 sacks. Federico earned first-team Ontario University Athletics and second-team all-Canadian honours in 2021 after registering 33 tackles including 12.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks in nine games.

Maxim Malenfant
Receiver
College: Ottawa
Height: 5.11
Weight: 185
Born: May 5, 1999
Birthplace: Drummondville, QC
National

Malenfant attended Calgary’s 2024 training camp after signing with the Stampeders as an undrafted free agent. After camp, he returned to the University of Ottawa.

Malenfant played 30 games over five seasons with the Gee-Gees and had 47 career receptions for 526 yards and three touchdowns as well as 111 kickoff-return yards, 82 punt-return yards and 28 rushing yards.

In 2023, Malenfant led the Gee-Gees with three touchdown catches and he was second on the team in receptions (29) and receiving yards (266). He is a two-time U Sports academic all-Canadian.

Jackson Sombach
Defensive back
College: Regina
Height: 5.08
Weight: 185
Born: Mar. 11, 2000
Birthplace: Regina, SK
National

Calgary’s seventh-round selection in the 2024 draft, Sombach saw action in two pre-season games with the Stampeders – recording two defensive tackles – before returning to the University of Regina.

With the Rams this season, Sombach earned second-team all-Canadian honours and was named a Canada West all-star for the second time in his career after recording 38 tackles, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and nine passes defended in 11 games. One of the interceptions came in Regina’s Hardy Cup victory over Saskatchewan.

In 38 career games with the Rams, Sombach recorded 141 tackles, one sack, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries and 24 passes defended.

General manager and head coach Dave Dickenson has had his eye on Vernon Adams Jr. for a while now, dating back to 2014 when he paid a visit to current quarterbacks coach Beau Baldwin when he was the head boss at Eastern Washington University.

Ten years later, he got his guy.

On Tuesday morning, Dickenson and assistant general manager Brendan Mahoney finalized a deal with BC Lions GM Ryan Rigmaiden, acquiring Adams, a 2025 fourth-round pick (32nd overall), and a 2026 third-round pick in exchange for second and fourth-round picks in 2025 (ninth and 29th overall), and a second-round pick in 2026.

“It all happened so fast,” said Adams, who was chatting with Stamps defensive back Demerio Houston 15 minutes before he got a call from Rigmaiden informing him a trade had been executed with Calgary.

“I’m so happy and thankful to be part of a great organization. I’ve always wanted to play for Dave. I’ve known him since I was in college, and I have so much respect for him.”

Lookin’ good, @bigplay_va pic.twitter.com/Z6TzuENDmM

— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) November 27, 2024

The Pasadena, Calif., native started nine games for the Leos in 2024, accumulating 2,854 passing yards and 19 total touchdowns, putting together a strong case for MOP before suffering an injury in early August and subsequently backing up Nathan Rourke until the final game of the regular season when Adams returned to starting duties.

The nine-year CFL vet is known to be a recruiter for his respective clubs and hopes to assist the Red and White in attracting some other pieces to the organization when the free agency period opens.

“I want to build a good team around me, get some good players in here, and try to change the culture up a little bit,” said Adams. “I think the (Stamps) had a good team. I look at the players on the roster, the receivers, obviously I want to bring some people with me from other teams.

“The word is Calgary isn’t usually big in free agency but sometimes you got to change things up. I’m not saying we’re going to be big, but maybe we need to bring in a few other players and spend money if we need to. That’s what it takes.

“(Calgary) wasn’t losing games by a lot of points – they were really close games. That means you’re that close to getting over that hump, so I’m hoping I can be a little piece to that and help us get over that hump.”

After missing the playoffs for the first time in 20 years, Dickenson and president Jay McNeil made it clear during exit meetings that change was imminent and the club would be aggressive this off-season.

“We’ve got to make some change,” said Dickenson. “We’ve done that, we’ve made some changes across the board in our organization and now here’s a piece of the puzzle when it comes to personnel.

“We as a staff need to be realistic about things, we can’t just do things the old way all the time. We’ve got to figure out who our team is, take advantage of what they’re good at, and morph.”

One of the first steps towards retooling for 2025 was convincing NFL talent P.J. Walker to take a chance on moving up north, resulting in a two-year contract.

With the addition of V.A., the quarterback room is morphing into a group of dynamic pivots who can rip the ball downfield with tremendous accuracy, while also using their elusiveness to avoid defenders when the throw isn’t there.

“We’re going to try to change what we do a little bit offensively with guys that can run a bit more and can make plays with their feet,” said Dickenson. “We also want to make sure we find some energy, and a guy that people gravitate towards, a great leader.”

Next, Dickenson aims to fill up the club’s coaching vacancies and re-structure scouting personnel before Christmas.

In addition to the veteran pivot, the Stamps receive BC’s fourth-round selection (32nd overall) in the 2025 Canadian Football League draft and the Lions’ third-round pick in 2026.

In exchange, Calgary sends its second- and fourth-round picks (ninth and 29th overall) in 2025 and its second-round pick in 2026 to BC.

Vernon Adams Jr.
Quarterback
College: Oregon
Height: 5.11
Weight: 200
Born: Jan. 3, 1993
Birthplace: Pasadena, CA​​​
American

Adams is an eight-year veteran who has played a combined 101 regular-season games with BC, the Montreal Alouettes and the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

“We’re excited to bring Vernon to Calgary,” said Stampeders general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson. “We know he is a dynamic player and great leader and we look forward to him bringing his big talents to the Red and White.”

“I am super excited to be a Stampeder,” said Adams. “I’ve always wanted to play for Dave and an organization like Calgary – so much rich history and culture. I’m pumped I get to link back up with Beau Baldwin as well. I’m ready to get to work.”

Baldwin, the Stamps’ quarterbacks coach, coached Adams for three seasons at Eastern Washington University.

In 2024, Adams had a 6-3 record as a starter for the Lions as he completed 197 of 302 passes for 2,929 yards and 16 touchdowns. He had six 300-yard passing games and also carried the ball 40 times for 213 yards and three scores. In the Western Semi-Final, Adams passed for 317 yards and two touchdowns.

For his CFL career, the Pasadena, Calif., native has thrown for 16,190 yards and 96 touchdowns and rushed for 1,644 yards and 24 majors. Adams has a career record of 38-22 as starting QB in the CFL.

Adams has four career starts in the playoffs with 1,177 passing yards including a pair of 300-yard games as well as four rushing touchdowns.

In college, Adams played his senior season (2015) at Oregon and was named the Pac-12 Conference’s newcomer of the year. In 10 games for the Ducks, he completed 168 of 259 passes for 2,643 yards with 26 touchdowns and just six interceptions. Adams also had 147 rushing yards and two scores.

Adams transferred to Oregon after three seasons at Eastern Washington. Adams was 28-6 as a starter with the Eagles and was a first-team Big Sky Conference all-star and the conference’s offensive player of the year in both 2013 and 2014. In 37 games at Eastern Washington, he completed 701 of 1,081 passes for 10,438 yards and 110 touchdowns. Adams also had 1,232 yards and 11 touchdowns along the ground.

Stamps fans have the opportunity to access the Stampeders locker room and purchase authentic helmets – including, for the first time, a Riddell Axiom model helmet – as well as game-worn jerseys and equipment.

Also available are:

• Practice jerseys
• Road equipment trunks
• Equipment bags
• Coaches’ short-sleeve sweat jackets
• Chrome horse helmet decals (in pairs)
• Practice footballs

In conjunction with the Locker-Room Sale, the Stamps Store will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a 35-per cent discount on all regularly priced merchandise including jerseys. The Stamps Store is located near the southeast corner of the stadium adjacent to the Ticket Office.

In addition, non-perishable food items will be collected at the door for the Airdrie Food Bank.

The sale starts at 9 a.m. for Season Ticket Members and will be open to the general public at 10 a.m.

Player autographs

• Stampeders receiver Marken Michel will be signing autographs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Linebacker Micah Teitz will be signing from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
• Offensive lineman Sean McEwen will be signing from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Stampeders alumni Stu Laird, Peewee Smith and Keon Raymond will also be in attendance

CKRY Country 105 FM will be broadcasting live on location.

Access to the locker room is through the clubhouse entrance off the south parking lot at McMahon Stadium. Free parking will be available.

Calgary Stampeders Locker-Room Sale
Saturday, Nov. 30

9 to 10 a.m. — Exclusive access to Season Ticket Members
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Public sale, everyone welcome

“I would like to thank the Calgary Stampeders organization for giving me the opportunity to play professional football,” said Tucker. “I’ve loved my time in Calgary and wouldn’t trade it for the world. Thank you to all my coaches, teammates, trainers and everyone behind the scenes for making my time here so memorable.

“We thank Cole for his time in Calgary,” said Stampeders general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson. “Cole will be successful in whatever field he chooses. We wish him nothing but the best of luck in the future.”

Tucker played 26 regular-season games over two seasons with the Stampeders and had 34 receptions for 348 yards and one touchdown. The Northern Illinois product also appeared in one playoff game and had two catches for 13 yards.

Although the Stampeders weren’t participating in the big game, there was still a large Calgary presence throughout Grey Cup week as fans, players and staff alike came together to celebrate for the biggest party in Canada.

Amongst those representing Red and White were president Jay McNeil and 2024 presidents’ ring winner Reggie Begelton who could be spotted mingling with fans at Stamps House.

Veteran kicker Rene Paredes was also present for the week’s festivities and assisted the Outriders in serving up some western hospitality at the Calgary Grey Cup Committee’s pancake breakfast.

 

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A Celebration Of Canada

“You see people from every team at every party out celebrating together,” said McNeil. “People come from all over the country to have fun and celebrate our great game.

“That’s what makes it so special. You have fans from every team celebrating together and coming into Stamps House seeing all the different jerseys and friendly banter, it’s a lot of fun.”

“It’s a community,” said Begelton. “Anytime you get to be personable without the helmet and show your face out in the community is a good opportunity.

“(The Grey Cup festival) is truly all nine teams being able to bond together for a like-term which is the CFL game and league as a whole. There may only be two teams in the Grey Cup, but as a family we all want to come together.”

The All-CFL receiver was also named the Athletes in Action Canada recipient of the Gord Barwell award. Nominated by team chaplains, the honour recognizes the CFL player who demonstrates outstanding Christian character and leadership.

Out With The Old, And In With The New…

Turf.

Last week McMahon Stadium began the process of removing the turf.

The playing surface was utilized for 10 seasons on which a pair of Grey Cup-champions teams – the 2014 and 2018 clubs – performed. Additionally, it played host to the 107^th Grey Cup in 2019.

The new turf will be installed in the new year and ready for when the Stamps return for camp in May, the inaugural season of the Northern Super League’s Calgary Wild FC, and of course for the 111^th Grey Cup in November 2026.

new turf coming soon pic.twitter.com/FYylLA0Nlv

— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) November 14, 2024

Fast Facts

It wouldn’t be a Grey Cup party without ‘Tuffy Nuff’, the Calgary Grey Cup Committee horse making an appearance – a long-standing tradition of 76 years. In addition to visiting the hotel lobby, the beloved hooved guest made a visit to Stamps House for the first time.

horse sighting pic.twitter.com/n8fe2FxbAS

— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) November 15, 2024

The 111th Grey Cup will be a showdown between the Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers at BC Place Stadium. However, “Tuffy Nuff,” our most famous celebrity of the Calgary Grey Cup Committee, will be making some special appearances. As well visiting a hotel lobby, a tradition for 76 years, “Tuffy Nuff” will be heading down to Stamps House for the first time. We welcome media to join us for both events.

Hotel appearance
Who: Calgary Grey Cup Committee
What: “Tuffy Nuff” our horse
Where: Holiday Inn, Vancouver Downtown, 1110 Howe Street
When: Thursday, Nov. 14, between 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Convention Centre appearance
Who: Calgary Grey Cup Committee
What: “Tuffy Nuff” our horse
Where: Stamps House, Vancouver Convention Centre, Canada Place
When: Thursday, Nov. 14, between 8:00-9:00 pm

The Calgary Grey Cup Committee has been a Grey Cup tradition since 1948 when a group of Calgarians boarded a 14-car train in Calgary, bound for Toronto, to cheer on their Calgary Stampeders against the Ottawa Roughriders in Calgary’s first Grey Cup appearance. Since that time, this group of volunteers has grown to more than 70 members bringing western hospitality to every Grey Cup annually.

Un des membre de notre committée sera disponible pour des entrevues en français

Thank you to the Calgary Grey Cup Committee sponsors:
• The City of Calgary
• Calgary Stampede
• Big Steel Box
• The Honourable Lois E. Mitchell
• Calgary Stampeders
• Scapes Creative
• Holiday Inn & Suites, Downtown
• Valentine Volvo
• Royal Canadian Legion BC Yukon Command
• Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tours

The former NFL and XFL quarterback has moved from city to city over the course of his career, spending time with the Indianapolis Colts (2017-19), Houston Roughnecks (2020), Carolina Panthers (2020-22), Chicago Bears (2023), Cleveland Browns (2023) and Seattle Seahawks (2024).

After joining the Red and White’s practice roster in October, the former Temple star got a better image of what his future could look like should he decide to test the northern waters and ultimately felt like the Stampeders gave him the best shot at playing the game he loves.

“(The decision to sign) was having an idea of what’s next to come for me personally and having the off-season to know what to look forward to and to see what the best opportunity was for me, and I feel like Calgary was the best one,” he explained.

The journey to Canada began on Oct. 8, when the 29-year-old quarterback and his family took a three-week test run of the organization to help get a feel for the city and the team.

“My whole mindset into taking the trip was to see if I’d enjoy it and see if it was something I’d be wanting to do,” he said. “It was great. I thought the experience was awesome, being able to be around the program, to meet Dave (Dickenson) and a lot of the other guys for me was just a fun experience.

“I would also say the city is awesome. It’s one of the better cities I’ve seen. It reminded me of Colorado.”

During his three-week stay Walker was able to observe the nuances of the CFL game from the sidelines.

“The game is definitely different,” he explained. “From my experience from watching, I feel like it’s a little bit faster, the running clock starts at 20 seconds, and you have to process things a lot quicker, so tempo will be the big thing.”

With the game’s challenges comes its opportunities.

Renowned for being a passing league, Walker is looking forward to bringing his skillset north of the border and help make the players around him better.

“Just go out there and compete at a high level and bring consistency and the same energy every day for my team, and for me to go out there and spread the ball around the football field and do what I love to do.

“And to also have the guys around me play at a high level, because I feel like if those guys are playing at a high level I’ll be doing the same thing. So just pushing those guys and bringing guys along, I think it takes a group effort to win, and I think if we can all put the same effort in, we can all go out there and be successful.”

Preparation for the 2025 season begins now.

Walker’s CFL footballs have arrived at his home in Charlotte, N.C., and he’s hoping to organize a throwing session with some of the receivers in Florida.

After finishing the season with a 5-12-1 record and missing the playoffs for the first time in 20 years, Walker understands the task at hand in doing his part to help get the organization back to its winning ways.

“For me it’s always to hold each other accountable,” he said. “I think that we can get lost in the sauce at times of what we’re doing, and we can take it for granted. Sometimes you can let things slip.

“When you’re always trying to fight for success and have that goal to get to the Grey Cup, I think accountability and ownership is going to go a long way in order for us to be successful as a team.

“It’s going to take a lot, but I think with the right guys in the locker room it will be (possible).”

The Stamps announced the signing of QB P.J. Walker on Monday afternoon.

Calgary initially acquired Walker’s negotiation-list rights in a Sept. 26 trade with the Toronto Argonauts. The 29-year-old pivot then signed with the Red and White on Oct. 8 and spent the last three weeks of the regular season on the team’s practice roster.

“Calgary is a beautiful city with a great football culture and a great fanbase,” said Walker. “The opportunity to continue to grow as a player and compete helped me make my decision to sign with the Stampeders.”

“We made the trade for P.J. for a reason,” said Stampeders general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson. “We’re doing everything we can to make our team better and that includes having a strong quarterback room. P.J. is going to be a big part of that.”

Walker is now currently the only quarterback signed through the 2025 season for the Red and White, with Jake Maier, Tommy Stevens, Matt Shiltz and Logan Bonner‘s contracts all set to expire come free agency in February.

WALK THIS WAY

We’ve signed QB P.J. Walker!@AGLC | #TogetherWeRide

— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) November 11, 2024

Saddle Up For Grey Cup

Last Friday, CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie announced that Calgary will be hosting the 113th Grey Cup on Nov. 15, 2026, marking the sixth time the city hosts the championship contest.

In addition to Ambrosie, Stampeders President Jay McNeil, CSEC President and CEO Robert Hayes, Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, and Alberta Minister of Tourism and Sport Joseph Schow teamed up in the Red and White locker room to present the special announcement to the public.

Fans can get a bite-size sampling of what’s to come at the Grey Cup festival in Vancouver this week, where Stamps House presented by Coors Light will be in full swing.

Located at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, Level 1, starting in the Burrard Foyer, the party will be open Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Saturday from noon to 1 a.m.

Don’t miss out on attractions such as an appearance from Tuffy the Horse (a real live horse), performances from the Outriders and other CFL cheer teams, and a cornhole tournament with Reggie Begelton!

Fast Facts – Grey Cup In Cowtown Edition

As mentioned, Calgary has previously hosted five Grey Cup championships (1975, 1993, 2000, 2009, and 2019). One of Edmonton, Winnipeg, or Montreal has always appeared in at least two of the Grey Cup games played in Calgary.

63rd Grey Cup – Nov. 23, 1975
• The 63rd Grey Cup featured the Edmonton Eskimos and Montreal Alouettes in one of the lowest scoring championships in league history. The Green and Gold secured the victory by a 9-8 score in a contest that saw 25-kilometre winds and a temperature of -15 degrees Celsius.
• It was the first Grey Cup appearance for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who attended the game at four years old with his father Pierre.
• No touchdowns were scored in this game and all points were scored by Canadians (kickers Don Sweet and Dave Cutler).

81st Grey Cup – Nov. 28, 1993
• The Edmonton Eskimos took down the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 33-23 to capture their 11th championship in franchise history.
• In honour of the CFL’s first US-based team, the Sacramento Gold Miners (who began playing that season), ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ was sung at the Grey Cup for the first time, before the playing of ‘O Canada’. This continued for the next two Grey Cups.
• It was the first time a Grey Cup game in Calgary featured a halftime act (which didn’t begin until 1990. Up until then, the halftime performance was usually a marching band). Miss Molly performed at McMahon Stadium.

88th Grey Cup – Nov. 26, 2000
• The BC Lions claimed championship victory over the Montreal Alouettes by a score of 28-26, becoming the first team to win the Grey Cup after finishing the regular season with a record below .500 (8-10).
• This marked the first Grey Cup appearance for the Alouettes since 1979.
• The Winnipeg-based rock band The Guess Who performed the halftime show.

97th Grey Cup – Nov. 29, 2009
• The Montreal Alouettes defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders 28-27 in what became the famous “too many men” game.
• It was the first time the Als and Riders met in the Grey Cup. They would battle it out again the following year in Edmonton, with Anthony Calvillo and Co. once again taking home the coveted sterling silver trophy.
• Calgarian and ‘The Girl Next Door’ star Elisha Cuthbert served as Grand Marshal in the Grey Cup parade.
• Canadian country rock band Blue Rodeo was the halftime act.

107th Grey Cup – Nov. 24, 2019
• The Winnipeg Blue Bombers dominated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 33-12 to take home their first Grey Cup victory since 1990. The game could be argued as the start of the Blue and Gold’s ‘dynasty’ as they currently prepare for their fifth-straight Grey Cup appearance.
• Country singer Keith Urban performed at halftime.

P.J. Walker
#2
Quarterback
College: Temple
Height: 5.11
Weight: 221
Born: Feb. 26, 1995
Birthplace: Elizabeth, NJ​​
American

The Stampeders acquired Walker’s negotiation-list rights in a Sept. 26 trade with the Toronto Argonauts. Walker then signed with the Stampeders on Oct. 8 and spent the final three weeks of the 2024 season on Calgary’s practice roster.

“Calgary is a beautiful city with a great football culture and a great fanbase,” said Walker. “The opportunity to continue to grow as a player and compete helped me make my decision to sign with the Stampeders.”

“We made the trade for P.J. for a reason,” said Stampeders general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson. “We’re doing everything we can to make our team better and that includes having a strong quarterback room. P.J. is going to be a big part of that.”

An Elizabeth, N.J., product, Walker played 21 National Football League games from 2020 to 2023 and made nine starts – seven for the Carolina Panthers and two for the Cleveland Browns. He completed 185 of 339 passes for 2,135 yards and six touchdowns while rushing 31 times for 80 yards.

He led the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks to a 5-0 record in 2020 and was leading the league with 1,338 passing yards and 15 touchdowns when the season was cancelled because of the global pandemic.

In college, Walker played 49 games and made 47 starts over four years at Temple and finished his collegiate career as the Owls’ all-time leader in completions (830), passing yards (10,668) and touchdown passes (74).

Walker was the most outstanding player in the 2016 American Athletic Conference championship game (a 34-10 win over Navy) and was the first Temple quarterback to lead the school to multiple bowl-game appearances.

For his university career, Walker completed 830 of 1,456 passes for 74 touchdowns and also had 342 carries for 763 yards and nine majors.

In attendance to deliver the exciting news inside of the Red and White locker room included Randy Ambrosie (CFL Commissioner), Robert Hayes (CSEC President and CEO), Jay McNeil (Calgary Stampeders President), Jyoti Gondek (City of Calgary Mayor) and Joseph Schow (Alberta Minister of Tourism and Sport).

Jay McNeil

“The Grey Cup is biggest single-day sporting event in Canada, and we are honoured to be the host of the 113th Grey Cup in 2026.”

“Not only do we have the opportunity to have a long-term impact on the Calgary Stampeders organization, but we have an opportunity to have an impact on our city, our province, on our league, and on the game of football. It’s not just an opportunity, it’s a responsibility and it’s one that we’ve taken very seriously. We are planning a spectacle.”

“To fans across Canada, Calgary will be ready to welcome you with open arms and that western hospitality and give you an unforgettable experience.”

“To Calgarians and Stamps fans, this is more than just a week-long celebration. This is going to be a two-year journey, and we are excited to do that with you.”

“Canada, get ready to saddle up for Grey Cup.”

Randy Ambrosie

“(Calgary) is a city that is renowned for its hospitality and ability to throw a good party. This city will always hold a special place in my heart. You can never come here without feeling welcomed. We are looking forward to one of the great Grey Cup parties of all time.”

Robert Hayes

“We are incredibly thrilled to have the privilege of hosting the 2026 Grey Cup. This is truly going to be the City of Calgary’s Grey Cup. It’s going to bring excitement, energy, and investment to the city, and we are so ready to host it.”

Jyoti Gondek

“(The Grey Cup) is a game-changer for Calgary in many ways. This is putting us on the map yet again as a city that has an amazing visitor economy and a city that can welcome anybody and make them feel at home.”

Saddle up, Calgary!

The Calgary Stampeders will host the 113th Grey Cup in 2026!@CFL | #GreyCup | #TogetherWeRide

— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) November 8, 2024

The 113th edition of the CFL’s championship game will be played at McMahon Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026.

“We’re beyond thrilled to bring the Grey Cup back to Calgary in 2026,” said CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie. “And of course, we’re most excited for Canadian football fans everywhere. Whether you’re from the East Coast and you’ve never experienced the Grey Cup or you’re Calgarian and this will be your 50th, we can’t wait for you to see what’s in store. We were blown away by the Stampeders’ bid and we look forward to seeing their incredible vision transformed into reality.”

“We thank the CFL, the Board of Governors and Commissioner Randy Ambrosie for this opportunity,” said Stampeders president Jay McNeil. “We also thank our partners at the City of Calgary, the Province of Alberta and Tourism Calgary for their support in this endeavour and we look forward to working together to host a spectacular Grey Cup.

“Calgary has a longstanding tradition of hosting world-class events and we know the city will rise to the occasion in 2026 and deliver an incredible experience for fans from across the country.”

“Tourism Calgary is thrilled to have partnered with the Calgary Stampeders to bid and win the 2026 Grey Cup,” said Tourism Calgary CEO Alisha Reynolds. “This event will not only deliver upwards of $50 million economic impact driving big business for our hotels, restaurants and retailers, it will also bring together our love for Canadian football and showcase our Blue Sky City hospitality. We can’t wait to welcome fans of all ages from across the country to experience this memorable event.”

This will be the sixth time Calgary hosts the Grey Cup – the game was previously played at McMahon in 1975, 1993, 2000, 2009 and 2019.

The Grey Cup game is part of a week-long festival featuring activities for fans of all ages, parties and top-class entertainment.

About the Calgary Stampeders

The Calgary Stampeder Football Club was founded in 1945. The team has finished first in their division 21 times, has made 17 Grey Cup appearances and has won the championship on eight occasions. The Stampeders are proud members of the Calgary and Southern Alberta communities and are actively involved in a number of causes, with amateur football and health and wellness programs being particular areas of focus.

About the Canadian Football League

Built on a foundation of more than 110 years of football tradition and history, the Canadian Football League features nine teams, millions of fans, and a commitment to service to the community, as well as elite sport.

About Tourism Calgary

Tourism Calgary works to bring large conferences and events to Calgary as part of its mandate to increase visitation to the city. In 2023, we hosted more than 170 meetings and events that created $227 million in economic impact for our community. In 2023, Calgary saw an estimated 8.4 million visitors and a resulting visitor spend of $3.1 billion.

It’s the third league all-star nod for Begelton, who was previously honoured in 2019 and 2023. The all-CFL team is determined by members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC), CFL head coaches and participants in the all-CFL fan vote.

Begelton started all 18 games at slotback this season and finished tied for second in the league with 92 receptions this season and fifth in receiving yards with 1,150. He ranked second in the CFL with 34 catches for second-down conversions. Begelton had four touchdown catches as well as a two-point conversion reception and cracked the 100-yard mark in receiving yards on three occasions.

The Lamar University alum surpassed a pair of career milestones – 5,000 receiving yards and 400 catches – during the 2024 campaign and was voted by teammates as the 2024 winner of the Presidents’ Ring award for demonstrating excellence on and off the field.

The organization announced there would be changes coming in preparation for the 2025 season.

Among the initial moves included the announcement that the club will not be retaining special-teams coordinator and assistant head coach Mark Kilam, defensive coordinator Brent Monson, or defensive line coach Juwan Simpson for next season.

“As an organization, we felt some changes were needed as part of the process of rebuilding a winning team,” said general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson. “We thank these coaches for their contributions to the organization and wish them the best.”

Transactions

Only ten days into the off-season the Red and White have yet to re-sign any veteran players but announced they brought back the following practice roster players last Tuesday:

• American defensive backs Clifford Chattman and Meiko Dotson
• American defensive lineman Jett Bush
• American receiver Mike Harley Jr.

Dotson was the only member of the group to see playing time during the 2024 campaign. He made his debut in time for the Labour Day Rematch on Sep. 7 and tallied one special-teams tackle in the contest.

Happy Birthday To Ya

There are five Stampeder birthdays in November, with two players sharing their special day together:

• OL Joshua Coker – Nov. 13
• DB Kobe Williams – Nov. 16
• RB Peyton Logan and DB Branden Dozier – Nov. 28
• LB Cameron Judge – Nov. 29

Other notable Stamps alums celebrating their birthdays this month include Jon Cornish (Nov. 5), Ron Hopkins (Nov. 10), Joffrey Reynolds (Nov. 26) and recently retired Keon Raymond (Nov. 27).

Fun Fact

This week in Stamps history (1948): In their third season, the Stampeders completed a 21-10 victory over Saskatchewan in a two-game, total-point final to win the franchise’s first West championship. Two weeks later, they beat Ottawa in the Grey Cup to complete the only undefeated season in league history.

Thanks to our Director of Communications Jean Lefebvre for handing off these facts!

Further announcements regarding the football operations staff will be made at a later date.

“As an organization, we felt some changes were needed as part of the process of rebuilding a winning team,” said general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson. “We thank these coaches for their contributions to the organization and wish them the best.”

Kilam and Monson served as Stampeders coaches for 20 and 15 years respectively. Simpson was on staff for two years.

“Mark was a loyal soldier and an integral part of our Grey Cup-winning seasons,” said Dickenson.

“No one worked harder than Brent and he gave us everything he had.

“Simp’s connection with the Stampeders goes back to 2008 and we appreciate everything he did for our organization as a player and as a coach.

“We thank them all and wish them well in the future.”

It’s the third division all-star nod for Begelton, who was previously recognized in 2019 and 2023, and the fourth in a row for Rose.

The division all-CFL team was determined by voting members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC), one vote from each West Division team’s coaching staff as well as online fan voting.

Begelton started all 18 games at slotback and finished tied for second in the league with 92 receptions this season and was fifth in receiving yards with 1,150. He ranked second in the CFL with 34 catches for second-down conversions. Begelton had four touchdown catches as well as a two-point conversion reception and cracked the 100-yard mark in receiving yards on three occasions.

The Lamar University alum surpassed a pair of career milestones – 5,000 receiving yards and 400 catches – during the 2024 campaign and was voted by teammates as the 2024 winner of the Presidents’ Ring award for demonstrating excellence on and off the field.

Rose started all 18 games at defensive tackle this season and was tops on the team with six sacks. It was the second consecutive season he led the Stamps in quarterback takedowns.

Rose also had 19 defensive tackles including three tackles for loss and an interception that he returned 83 yards for his first career touchdown. Rose had a pair of sacks in a Week 9 victory over the Toronto Argonauts.

All four players recently became free agents after finishing the 2024 Canadian Football League season on the Stampeders’ practice roster. Dotson was the only member of the group to see game action this past season – he was in uniform for a Sept. 7 contest in Edmonton and recorded one special-teams tackle.

Clifford Chattman
#28
Defensive back
College: UTSA
Height: 6.05
Weight: 210
Born: May 23, 1997
Birthplace: New Orleans, LA
American

The New Orleans product signed with the National Football League’s Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2023. In three pre-season games for the Falcons, Chattman had seven tackles and one sack.

Chattman finished his collegiate career with two seasons at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He played 18 games with the Roadrunners and produced 90 tackles including two tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, five interceptions, one forced fumble and 15 passes defended. He was named first-team all-Conference USA following his senior season in 2022 after accumulating 72 tackles and five interceptions in 14 games.

Chattman transferred to UTSA after two seasons at Texas A&M. In 17 games for the Aggies, he had 35 tackles including two tackles for loss, one interception, one fumble recovery and five passes defended.

Meiko Dotson
#33
Defensive back
College: Florida State
Height: 5.11
Weight: 195
Born: Mar. 25, 1997
Birthplace: Daytona Beach, FL
American

Prior to coming to Calgary, the Daytona Beach, Fla., product attended rookie mini-camp with the NFL’s Houston Texans in 2022. The following year, he played nine games for New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League and made 14 tackles.

In college, Dotson played his final two seasons at Florida State. In 10 games for the Seminoles, he made 21 tackles and forced a fumble. In 2019 at Florida Atlantic, he earned first-team all-Conference USA honours after setting a school single-season record with nine interceptions while making 30 tackles.

Dotson played 12 games at Georgia Tech in 2016 and made two tackles. He had four interceptions including a pick-six and 28 tackles at Garden City (Kan.) Community College in 2017.

Mike Harley Jr.
#89
Receiver
College: Miami
Height: 5.11
Weight: 180
Born: Dec. 13, 1997
Birthplace: Fort Lauderdale, FL
American

Harley signed with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He was on Cleveland’s practice squad in 2022 and also attended the Browns’ training camp in 2023.

In 2024, he signed with United Football League’s DC Defenders and later attended training camp with teams on both sides of the border – first with the CFL’s Ottawa Redblacks and then with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.

In college, Harley played 59 games over five years at the University of Miami. He made 32 starts for the Hurricanes and amassed 182 receptions for 2,158 yards and 15 touchdowns. Harley also had seven carries for 36 yards and returned 12 kickoffs for 244 yards.

He was named third-team all-Atlantic Coast Conference in 2020 after making 57 catches for 799 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games.

Jett Bush
#90
Defensive lineman
College: Texas
Height: 6.02
Weight: 243
Born: Oct. 17, 2000
Birthplace: Houston, TX
American

Bush attended rookie mini-camp with the NFL’s New England Patriots earlier this year after completing his collegiate career at Texas.

In 58 collegiate games at linebacker for the Longhorns, he had 63 tackles including 7.5 tackles for loss and added three sacks, one interception, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.