Bombers move on from veterans Bighill, Wolitarsky

Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Adam Bighill celebrates winning the 107th Grey Cup against the Hamilton Tiger Cats in Calgary, Alta., Sunday, November 24, 2019. (Todd Korol/The Canadian Press)

The Blue Bombers are moving on from two veterans of the team – Adam Bighill and Drew Wolitarsky.

Bighill broke the news in an Instagram post Friday, announcing he won’t be coming back to the Blue and Gold.

“I’m not mad, I understand the way the business goes,” the post reads. “Sure it’s disappointing when things don’t work out the way you want them to, but I knew this was a possibility and by no means was caught off guard.”

The 36-year-old linebacker has been out since a season-ending injury to his left knee in September. He had to undergo surgery, but had planned to return to the team after rehab.

The Bombers have not issued any statement regarding Bighill’s departure. CTV News has reached out to the team for comment.

Bighill isn’t the only veteran saying so long to the Blue and Gold.

In a release Monday, the Bombers announced the club has released receiver Drew Wolitarsky.

“These decisions are always difficult and it’s especially true with a player who has been with us for so long,” GM Kyle Walters said in a news release.

“Drew has been a solid contributor for the team, was popular in the locker room and was instrumental in two Grey Cup championships, and for that the franchise is forever grateful.”

Wolitarsky played 89 regular-season games throughout his seven seasons with the Bombers.

Both players were part of the Bombers’ Grey Cup winning squads in 2019 and 2021. Bighill also won two CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player awards during his tenure in Winnipeg.