George Hopkins to step down as Stampeders equipment manager after 55 years
The 67-year-old, who started as a ball boy at 13, will remain with the CFL club as an ambassador.
CALGARY — Calgary Stampeders equipment manager George Hopkins will step down after 55 years with the CFL club at the end of this season.
The Stampeders said Thursday the 67-year-old Calgarian will remain in the organization as an ambassador.
"Geo has been an important part of the Calgary Stampeders family, and his contributions extend far beyond his role as equipment manager," Stampeders president Jay McNeil said.
READ MORE: Stampeders host Lions in pivotal CFL West clash with playoff picture in flux
READ MORE: Collaros leads Blue Bombers past Stampeders to keep playoff hopes alive
Hopkins was hired by the team at age 13 as a ball boy in 1972 and has overseen equipment since 1977.
A mainstay on the Stampeders’ sideline and known for wearing shorts in cold weather, he has missed only five games during his career.
He’s won six Grey Cup championships with Calgary in 1992, 1998, 2001, 2008, 2014 and 2018.
"I’d like to thank the Stampeders organization for their trust and support throughout all the years," Hopkins said in a statement.
Including preseason, regular season, playoffs and the Grey Cup, Hopkins will work his 1,094th game Saturday when the Stampeders host the B.C. Lions at McMahon Stadium.
It will be the last regular-season game for the Stampeders, who end on a bye week with murky playoff prospects.
Hopkins’s job includes player safety, with ordering, fitting and issuing of gear head to toe. He’s handled all aspects of the locker room, including the coordination of equipment transportation to other CFL cities.
The vice-president of the Calgary Spring Football Association has also worked with Alberta high schools and minor football programs in off-season equipment inspection to provide guidance and knowledge.
"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," Hopkins said. "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."
Hopkins has been on the Stampeders’ Wall of Fame as a builder since 2014 and won the CFL’s Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership Award in 2023.
"We thank Geo for his many years of service, expertise and hard work as our equipment manager," said Stampeders general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson.
Up next: The Stampeders (8-9) host the B.C. Lions (10-6) on Saturday.
With files from The Canadian Press, The Globe and Mail and Sportsnet