Calgary Stampeders hoping pair of veterans can shore up team’s linebacking

Three-time Grey Cup champ and future Hall of Famer Adam Bighill is a Calgary Stampeder after signing to the team's practice roster last week.

The Calgary Stampeders have been hit hard by injuries in their first three games, especially at linebacker.

Marquel Lee and Gary Johnson Jr. are out long-term, so the Stamps have signed a couple of veterans to help out.

Adam Bighill is a future Hall of Famer.

He’s a three-time Grey Cup champ and has won the CFL Most Outstanding Player award three times, too.

Bighill signed a practice roster contract with the Stamps last week and says it was an easy decision.

“Calgary has a great tradition,” said the 36-year-old linebacker.

“Any time we played Calgary when I was with B.C. or Winnipeg, you knew what kind of game you were going to get. It was hard, tough-nosed football played the right way.

“This place has a great tradition, and it started a long time ago and it’s still here today. That’s something I really like.”

Not ready yet

Bighill suffered a season-ending knee injury last season when he was with the Bombers and is still recovering.

But he says he’s getting close to returning.

“For me, it’s just slowing myself down and letting the trainers lead because I do want to get out there and do as much as I want, but, you know, (we’re just making) sure we check the boxes, but I feel really close,” he said.

Great leader

With all of his experience, the Stamps feel Bighill will be able to help the team right now and when he returns to action.

Bighill also feels he can help lead the way.

“Kind of that veteran leadership and what it takes to be the best, and this is what championship teams do, and this is how you think and go about your process,” he said.

“At the end of the day, I just want to lead by example and show them that I’m a guy they can count on and do it the right way all the time.”

Wilson ready to go

The Stamps also signed veteran linebacker Kyle Wilson who was released by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats recently.

He’s only been at two practices but says he’s ready to go and make an impact.

“I’m a good player and instinctive, (a) hard worker and hard-playing, tough and aggressive, so that’s for sure what you’re going to get,” he said.

Tough being released

Wilson says he was surprised the Ticats released him and admits this gives him even more motivation.

“Even before, I played with a chip on my shoulder, so that just really added fuel to the fire,” he said.

The Stamps take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday night at McMahon Stadium in the first-ever Stampede Bowl.