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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

The honour is given annually to the Canadian player who best demonstrates the attributes of the country’s veterans, such as strength, perseverance, courage, comradeship and contribution to Canadian communities. The award, which has been presented annually since 2010, was created in memory of Jake Gaudaur – the CFL’s longest-standing Commissioner and a distinguished World War II veteran.

Paredes is the longest-serving member of the team and recently concluded his 10th season as a team captain. The kicker has never missed a contest in his 13-year career and in 2024 he moved into second place on the franchise’s list of career games.

Born in Venezuela and raised in Montreal, Paredes now calls Calgary home year-round with his wife and two children. He is active in the community including serving as the leader of a group of players that makes visits to patients at the Alberta Children’s Hospital the day before every home game throughout the season.

On the field, Paredes played all 18 games in 2024 and was the Stampeders’ nominee for the Most Outstanding Special Teams Player award for the eighth time in his career. He was successful on 41 of 44 field-goal attempts this season for a success rate of 93.2 per cent. The totals include a league-leading 23 field goals from at least 40 yards and a CFL-best 92-per-cent success rate from 40-plus yards. He has added 33 extra points and one single this season for a total of 157 points.

Paredes’ season highlights include going six-for-six on field goals in the season-opener against Hamilton, a 52-yard game-winning overtime field goal against Winnipeg in Week 4 and a career-long 57-yard field goal against Edmonton in the Labour Day Classic.

The team’s other representatives for the league’s major awards are centre Sean McEwen (Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman), defensive lineman Clarence Hicks (Most Outstanding Rookie) and kicker René Paredes (Most Outstanding Special Teams Player).

Calgary’s award finalists were determined by voting members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) as well as one vote from the Stampeders coaching staff. The league’s top players in each category will be announced on Nov. 14 during the CFL awards ceremony during Grey Cup Week in Vancouver.

Here is a closer look at the Stampeders players being honoured:

Reggie Begelton (Most Outstanding Player)

Begelton has started all 17 games at slotback in 2024 and is the team’s leader in receptions (89), receiving yards (1,112), second-down conversion catches (32) and receptions of at least 30 yards (six). He has four touchdowns, a two-point conversion reception and three 100-yard games.

In Week 11 against Ottawa, Begelton surpassed the 5,000-yard mark for his career and in Week 15 against Montreal, he made the 400th career reception. In Week 19 against Edmonton, Begelton had a season-long 54-yard reception and surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in a season for the third time in his career.

Begelton, who was recently voted by teammates as the 2024 winner of the Presidents’ Ring award for excellence on and off the field, was previously Calgary’s Most Outstanding Player nominee in 2019 and 2023.

Cameron Judge (Most Outstanding Defensive Player and Most Outstanding Canadian)

The Montreal-born linebacker is the Stamps’ top Canadian for a third consecutive season and top defensive player nominee for the first time. In 2019 as a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, he was the West Division finalist for the Most Outstanding Canadian award.

Through 17 starts this season at the weak-side linebacker position, Judge has amassed a team-leading 72 tackles as well as four tackles for loss, one sack, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and two knockdowns.

Judge has recorded at least five tackles in a game seven times this season including seven in Week 4 against Winnipeg and in the Labour Day Classic against Edmonton.

Sean McEwen (Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman)

The veteran centre is the Stamps’ nominee for the top-lineman for the third time in four seasons with the Red and White. In addition, McEwen was previously the Toronto Argonauts’ Most Outstanding Offensive lineman on three occasions.

The Calgary native has made 16 starts in 2024 and is part of an offensive line that has allowed just 28 sacks, tied with the Edmonton Elks for the lowest total in the league. The Stamps running attack has averaged 105.3 yards per contest.

Clarence Hicks (Most Outstanding Rookie)

The University of Texas at San Antonio product has appeared in all 17 regular-season contests for the Red and White including one start at defensive end.

He is tied for third on the team with four sacks and also has 14 defensive tackles including two tackles for loss, two interceptions, one knockdown and one special-teams stop.

In his CFL debut in Week 1 against Hamilton, Hicks recorded his first CFL sack when he brought down Bo Levi Mitchell. Hicks sacked Mitchell twice more in a Week 20 contest in Hamilton. In Week 4, Hicks picked off a pass by Winnipeg’s Zach Collaros for his first CFL interception.

René Paredes (Most Outstanding Special Teams Player)

The Venezuelan-born, Montreal-raised kicker is Calgary’s finalist for the special-teams award for the eighth time in his career.

Paredes has been the West Division finalist for the award on three occasions and was the league’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player in 2013. He has been successful on 39 of 42 field-goal attempts this season for a success rate of 92.9 per cent. The totals include a league-leading 23 field goals from at least 40 yards and a CFL-best 92-per-cent success rate from 40-plus yards.

Paredes already holds the CFL record with six seasons at a field-goal success rate of at least 90 per cent and with one game remaining in 2024, he is in position for a seventh. He has added 30 extra points and one single this season for a total of 148 points in 17 games.

Paredes’ season highlights include going six-for-six on field goals in the season-opener against Hamilton, a 52-yard game-winning overtime field goal against Winnipeg in Week 4 and a career-long 57-yard field goal against Edmonton in the Labour Day Classic.

He has kicked off 57 times for 3,816 yards and an average of 66.9 yards.

The Presidents’ Ring has been presented annually since 1967 to the Stampeders player who best demonstrates excellence on and off the field as voted by the players. Candidates are judged on their in-game contributions, leadership, inspiration and motivational skills.

Recent Presidents’ Ring recipients

2024 – Reggie Begelton
2023 – Derek Wiggan
2022 – Derek Wiggan
2021 – Jamar Wall
2019 – Brandon Smith
2018 – Micah Johnson
2017 – Joshua Bell
2016 – Deron Mayo
2015 – Rob Cote
2014 – Corey Mace
2013 – Rob Cote
2012 – Keon Raymond
2011 – Keon Raymond
2010 – Rob Lazeo

“I congratulate Reggie on this very well-deserved honour,” said Stampeders president Jay McNeil, who was a two-time winner of the Presidents’ Ring during his playing career. “He is an all-star performer on the field and an excellent ambassador for the team in the community. The players have made an excellent choice.”

Begelton, in his seventh season with the Red and White, expressed his gratitude to his teammates for bestowing the honour upon him.

“Thank you all so much,” he said. “I am truly honoured to be recognized by my peers with this award. Consistency is something I hold dear – I believe it has the power to elevate us to new heights in life. If you remain persistent, you will achieve your goals, but it is consistency that ensures you hold on to them.

“I’m grateful for this acknowledgment and excited to continue striving for excellence alongside all of you. Thank you.”

Begelton is having another standout season with the Stampeders as he leads the club with 85 catches and 1,073 receiving yards and is among the Canadian Football League leaders in both categories (third in in yards and tied for third in catches). Begelton has four touchdown grabs and has extended his streak of games with at least one reception to 68, the sixth-longest such run in franchise history.

Begelton’s play and work ethic are a shining example for the team’s young receivers and he is also a familiar sight in the community. He was the 2023 winner of the Herm Harrison Memorial Award for his community service and was frequent participant in numerous team events again this year including regular visits to the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Established in 2013, the annual award recognizes a Stampeders player for his outstanding community service. One of the franchise’s all-time greats, Herm Harrison played for the Stampeders from 1964-72 and was a West Division all-star on six occasions and a CFL all-star three times. Harrison remained in Calgary following his playing days and continued to support numerous community initiatives.

A five-year veteran of the Red and White Michel is an enthusiastic participant in the majority of the community programs operated by the Stampeders including Every Yard Counts, which features player visits to the Alberta Children’s Hospital on the eve of every home game.

The 31-year-old from Plantation, Fla., also brings his passion and positive energy to organizations and initiatives such as the Calgary Food Bank, PinkPower and KidsPlay and makes numerous appearances at community and cultural event. In addition, he shares his experience and football knowledge by taking part in the Learn to Play flag football camp for ages 5 to 15 and attending minor-football games and practices.

Michel’s commitment to being a positive force in the community isn’t limited to team-organized activities. On multiple occasions, he has led groups of teammates into the downtown core to distribute food and water to those in need.

“One of the toughest questions in life is what is my purpose and my assignment in life?” said Michel.“What you wake up thinking about and what you think about constantly before you go to sleep is a clue as to what your purpose and assignment is in life.

“Your assignment is any problem you were created to solve on the Earth. What you love is a clue to the gift and wisdom you contain to complete your assignment. What you hate is a clue to something you are assigned to correct. What grieves you is a clue to something you are assigned to heal.

“These are my constant reminders to make a difference.”

Past winners of the Herm Harrison Memorial Award include Rob Cote (2013), Randy Chevrier (2014), Bo Levi Mitchell (2015 and 2016), Joshua Bell (2017), Rob Maver (2018 and 2019), Kamar Jorden (2021), Colton Hunchak (2022) and Reggie Begelton (2023).

It’s the Stampeders’ annual PinkPower game, presented by Mayfair Diagnostics, to help raise awareness and funds for the battle against women’s cancers.

Limited-edition pink merchandise – toques and mittens featuring the Stampeders logo – will be available for purchase outside all gates, the Stamps Store and at Stamps House starting at 11:30 a.m. until kickoff or while supplies last.

The items are on sale for $25 each with proceeds going to Wellspring Alberta, a not-for-profit organization consisting of a network of community-based centres offering cancer-support programs and services.

Limited-edition pink mini-footballs will be tossed into the stands after Stampeders touchdowns.

Junior Outriders take centre stage at halftime

At halftime, a group of 300 kids aged 5 to 15 will be performing a cheer and dance routine on the field. They’ll be led by members of the Outriders dance team and Stampeder Outrider Alumni.

Fan Zone

Starting at 11:30 a.m. and running until kickoff, the East Fan zone will be active including a DJ, a Zombie Maze and player autographs.

Saturday will also be the Stampeders’ Jerseys Off Our Backs game as fans will have a chance to win a game-worn jersey and get it signed by the player on the field following the contest.

All fans are invited to come down the field after the game to collect autographs and be part of a large group photo. With new turf being installed for the start of the 2025 season, it’s the last chance to step on the playing surface on which a pair of Grey Cup-championship teams – the 2014 and 2018 clubs – performed.

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

Walker played 21 NFL 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.

Jaylon Hutchings
#96
Defensive lineman
College: Texas Tech
Height: 6.00
Weight: 305
Born: Dec. 31, 1999
Birthplace: Dallas, TX​​​
American

Hutchings signed with the National Football League’s Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in August and saw action in two pre-season games, recording three tackles.

In college, Hutchings played 62 games and made 57 starts over six years at Texas Tech. He had 193 career tackles for the Red Raiders including 108 solo stops. Hutchings also had 26 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one pass breakup.

In another transaction, the Stamps have released American defensive lineman Brandon Matterson from the practice roster.

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

Chattman spent four weeks on the Calgary practice roster in 2023 and attended the Stamps’ 2024 training camp. In two pre-season games for the Red and White, he recorded three defensive tackles and a knockdown.

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.

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 Canadian Football League’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.

Keaton Ellis
#34
Defensive back
College: Penn State
Height: 5.11
Weight: 190
Born: Feb. 22, 2001
Birthplace: State College, PA​​​
American

In May, Ellis signed as an undrafted free agent with the National Football League’s Tennessee Titans and attended the team’s training camp. In three pre-season games, he recorded six tackles.

Before turning pro, Ellis played 56 games over five seasons at Penn State. He had 86 career tackles for the Nittany Lions including 58 solo tackles and three tackles for loss. Ellis also had two interceptions, four forced fumbles and 14 passes defended.

In other transaction news, the Stampeders have placed American receiver Jesiah Irish on the suspended list.

For a one-month period every season, Canadian Football League teams are permitted to carry an additional five practice-roster players (15 instead of the usual 10 in addition to three spots for global players).

Marquel Lee
#50
Linebacker
College: Wake Forest
Height: 6.03
Weight: 234
Born: Oct. 21, 1995
Birthplace: San Diego, CA
American

Lee played 45 National Football League games over two stints with the Raiders – first in Oakland from 2017-19 and later in Las Vegas in 2021. He recorded 115 total tackles including 71 solo stops with the Silver and Black.

In college, Lee played 48 games over four seasons at Wake Forest. He earned first-team all-Atlantic Coast Conference honours for the Demon Deacons in 2016 after leading the team with 105 tackles including 20 tackles for loss and adding 7.5 sacks. For his collegiate career, he started 37 of 48 games and accumulated 291 tackles and 14.5 sacks.

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.

Jesiah Irish
#89
Receiver
College: Oregon State
Height: 5.11
Weight: 176
Born: July 27, 2000
Birthplace: Bellevue, WA
American

Irish joins the Stamps after attending rookie camp with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

Before turning pro, Irish played 56 games at Oregon State, seeing action both as a receiver and a kick returner for the Beavers. He had 27 catches for 456 yards and two touchdowns, 18 carries for 114 yards and one score, 22 kickoff returns for 478 yards and 16 punt returns for 135 yards.

Brandon Matterson
#96
Defensive lineman
College: Texas-San Antonio
Height: 6.02
Weight: 305
Born: Nov. 29, 1999
Birthplace: Dallas, TX
American

Matterson signed with the NFL’s Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent on May 10 and also spent time at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ training camp.

He played college football at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and in 59 games for the Roadrunners he had 101 career combined tackles including 17 tackles for loss as well as 7.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles.

Matterson earned third-team all-American Athletic Conference honours in 2023 after accumulating 14 tackles including six tackles for loss, five sacks, five quarterback hurries and a forced fumble in 12 games.

In another transaction, the Stamps have released American running back B.J. Emmons.

Raymond was a versatile performer over the course of eight seasons and 120 regular-season games in Calgary, seeing action at various positions in the secondary and showing a penchant for big plays. His five interception returns for touchdown are tied for the most in franchise history and his 24 career picks are the most of any Stamps player in the past 30 years.

He was a West Division all-star in 2011 and 2012, a CFLPA all-star in 2012 and a two-time winner of the Presidents’ Ring as the player deemed to have best combined excellence on the field with leadership, inspiration and motivational skills.

Raymond was a Grey Cup winner in 2008 and 2014 with Calgary.

After wrapping up his time with the Stamps in 2015, Raymond played a combined 10 games for Toronto and Hamilton in 2016. The St. Louis native and his family have made Calgary their permanent home to this day.

An undrafted free agent out of the Calgary Colts junior program, Wilson joined the Stampeders in 2011 and played 108 regular-season games with the Red and White over an eight-year period. He also played 12 post-season games with the Stamps and was a member of Grey Cup-championship teams in 2014 and 2018.

The versatile Wilson made starts at all five positions on the offensive line during his time in Calgary and was a West Division and CFL all-star in both 2015 and 2016. He was Calgary’s nominee for the league’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman award in 2015.

Wilson concluded his CFL career by playing 16 games for the Montreal Alouettes in 2019.

Dave Dickenson, head coach and general manager

“We appreciate what both these guys did for our city and our organization. Both of these players made significant contributions to the organization, to the community and to the sport and we’re very happy that they are returning to retire as Stampeders. They will always be a part of our family.”

Spencer Wilson

“Calgary has always been more than just a city to me—it’s been home. I’ve had the privilege of wearing the red and white for so many years, and it feels right to officially close this chapter of my life where it all began.

“Signing a one-day contract with the Stampeders isn’t just a formality, it’s a way to say thank you to the organization, the fans and my teammates for the incredible journey we’ve shared. I’m proud to retire as a Stampeder, and I’m grateful for every moment I spent on the field with this team.”

Keon Raymond

“Signing and retiring as a Calgary Stampeder is a way to close an unforgettable chapter in my life. It’s not just about hanging up the cleats, but celebrating the journey, the brotherhood and the fans who made every moment special.

“As I step into the next phase of life, I’m excited for the new challenges ahead, embracing every opportunity with the same passion and purpose that defined my career.”