Stampeders equipment manager George Hopkins to step down after 55 years
The 67-year-old, who started as a ball boy at 13, will work his 1,094th game Saturday before moving to an ambassador role.
CALGARY · George Hopkins is concluding his 55-year tenure as the Calgary Stampeders' equipment manager at the end of this CFL season. The 67-year-old, who will transition to an ambassador role with the club, started with the team as a 13-year-old ball boy in 1972. He took over equipment operations in 1977 and has been a sideline fixture ever since, missing only five games. His final game in the role will be his 1,094th, covering pre-season, regular season, playoffs and Grey Cup contests, when Calgary hosts the B.C. Lions on Saturday.
"Geo has been an important part of the Calgary Stampeders family, and his contributions extend far beyond his role as equipment manager," said Stampeders president Jay McNeil. "He has built lasting relationships throughout our club and earned the respect of everyone who has had the privilege of working with him. We thank George for his years of dedication and wish him all the best in this next chapter." Hopkins is known for his trademark shorts in cold weather and has been part of six Grey Cup championship teams with Calgary.
In a statement, Hopkins expressed his gratitude to the organization. "I’d like to thank the Stampeders organization for their trust and support throughout all the years," he said. "I’ve had the pleasure to work with so many great people, staff as well as players, and it wouldn’t be fair to single out any and miss lots. I would like to thank my wife Cathy and my kids Jorde and Hunter for understanding all the absences. This is just the end of a chapter." His responsibilities have encompassed all player safety gear and the logistics of the team's locker room and travel.
Beyond the Stampeders, Hopkins has served as vice-president of the Calgary Spring Football Association and worked with Alberta high school and minor football programs on equipment safety. His career honours include having his name on the Stampeders' Wall of Fame as a builder since 2014 and winning the CFL's Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership Award in 2023. He also received the team's Art Evans Memorial Award in 1995 for his dedication. Stampeders general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson also praised Hopkins's long service. "We thank Geo for his many years of service, expertise and hard work as our equipment manager," Dickenson said. "I started my career in Calgary with Geo and Pat Clayton, two pillars of Stampeder football, who will always be linked but uniquely special. Geo executed a very important role, and we are pleased that he will be remaining with the team in another capacity." The Stampeders enter Saturday's regular-season finale with an 8-9 record and uncertain playoff hopes before a bye week.
With files from The Canadian Press, The Globe and Mail and Sportsnet