Stampeders sign six-time CFL all-star LB Adam Bighill to practice roster

B.C. Lions quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. (3) gets sacked by Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Adam Bighill (4) during second half CFL action in Winnipeg Thursday, August 1, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

The Calgary Stampeders have signed linebacker Adam Bighill to their practice roster, the club announced Sunday.

Bighill, 36, is a three-time winner of the Most Outstanding Defensive Player award, an eight-time West Division all-star and a six-time league all-star.

The five-foot-nine, 230-pounder from Montesano, Wash., has won three Grey Cup rings – one as a member of the BC Lions and two with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

However, the 12-year veteran wasn’t re-signed by the Bombers in January and has yet to suit up in 2025. He stated in a social media post that he planned to keep playing.

He began his career in 2011 with the Lions, who he spent six seasons with before playing for the NFL’s New Orleans Saints in 2017. He returned to the CFL in 2018 with the Bombers, who he spent the following six seasons with.

Bighill ranks sixth in CFL history with 939 defensive tackles. He also has 39 tackles for loss, 71 special-teams stops, 50 sacks, 15 interceptions including one pick-six, 11 fumble recoveries including three returned for touchdowns, 14 forced fumbles and 25 knockdowns.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 22, 2025.