Adams embraces expectations as Stampeders open season against Bombers

CALGARY — Vernon Adams Jr. knows exactly what comes with being the quarterback of a team expected to contend for a Grey Cup on home turf.



"Pressure's a privilege," the Calgary Stampeders quarterback said this week as the club prepares to open the 2026 Canadian Football League season Friday night against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at McMahon Stadium.



For Calgary, the journey toward a Grey Cup game that will also be hosted at McMahon Stadium in November begins with a familiar opponent. The Stampeders swept Winnipeg in three meetings last season, but neither Adams nor head coach Dave Dickenson appears interested in dwelling on last year's results.



"That was last year," Adams said. "I know they're hungry for it."



Dickenson echoed a similar sentiment despite Calgary's success against Winnipeg in 2025.



"If you look back, it's always been battles," Dickenson said. "For the most part, it's a tight battle."



The opener will also mark the beginning of a new chapter on special teams. Veteran kicker Rene Paredes has been placed on the six-game injured list, ending a remarkable streak of 247 consecutive games played with the Stampeders dating back to 2011.



His replacement, rookie Jude McAtamney, will make his CFL regular-season debut.



"Jude won the job, straight, simply," Dickenson said. "He's got a big leg, with good height, and helps us on our kickoffs as well."



The Northern Irish kicker arrives in Calgary after spending time with the NFL's New York Giants organization and was selected in the first round of the 2026 CFL Global Draft.



While McAtamney steps into a high-profile role, Calgary's offence will continue to revolve around Adams and reigning CFL rushing champion Dedrick Mills, who led the league with 1,409 rushing yards and scored 11 touchdowns last season.



Adams, who threw for 4,247 yards in 2025 and enters Friday one victory shy of 50 career wins as a starter, believes the foundation begins up front.



"One of the best backs in the league, if not the best, and the best O-line in the league, in my opinion," Adams said.



The Stampeders will also debut free-agent receiver Dejon Brissett, who recorded 907 receiving yards last season before joining Calgary in the offseason. Brissett said he feels ready to make an immediate impact.



"I feel like I'm in midseason form," Brissett said. "I feel good. I feel healthy. I feel fast."



Friday's contest will also feature celebrations recognizing the 25th anniversary of Calgary's 2001 Grey Cup championship team.



For Adams, however, the focus remains firmly on what lies ahead.



"The Grey Cup's here," he said. "So it starts tomorrow, one game at a time."