Adams, Moncrief, Paredes named Stampeders captains ahead of opener

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders will enter the 2026 CFL season led by a veteran trio after quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., defensive back Derrick Moncrief and kicker Rene Paredes were voted team captains by their teammates on Monday.



Adams will serve as Calgary's offensive captain for a second consecutive season, while Moncrief takes on defensive captain duties for the first time with the Red and White. Paredes, entering his 15th CFL season, returns as special teams captain for the 12th time in his career.



The three captains bring a combined 31 years of CFL experience as Calgary prepares for Friday's season opener against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at McMahon Stadium.



Adams enters the season after helping stabilize the Stampeders offence during his first year in Calgary and now becomes one of the franchise's central leadership figures heading into 2026.



Moncrief, beginning his second season with the club, earned the confidence of teammates on the defensive side of the ball after establishing himself as one of Calgary's veteran voices.



Paredes remains one of the longest-serving players in franchise history and continues to add to a decorated career that has made him one of the CFL's most accomplished kickers.



The captaincy announcement came alongside Calgary's first injury report of game week.



Receiver Reggie Begelton (knee), defensive backs Sheldon Arnold (ankle), Morice Blackwell Jr. (foot) and Anton Haie (hamstring), offensive lineman Tomas Jack-Kurdyla (knee) and defensive back Ben Labrosse (illness) did not participate in Monday's practice.



Receiver Clark Barnes (hamstring), recently re-signed defensive lineman Jaylon Hutchings (hamstring), defensive lineman Folarin Orimolade (Achilles) and linebacker Micah Teitz (head) were listed as limited participants.



Calgary opens its regular season Friday night against Winnipeg with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. MT at McMahon Stadium.