Milt Stegall hits field to start Winnipeg Blue Bombers rookie camp

The first day of the three-day rookie camp for quarterbacks and rookies marked the beginning of a new era for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. But the star of the show on opening day wasn’t a rookie or a quarterback; instead, it was a 54-year-old who won’t be playing a snap this season.

Milt Stegall, a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, returned to the blue and gold on Wednesday, spending a single day donning his well-known number 85.

Despite the fact that it was merely a publicity gimmick, the large number of spectators were applauding his every move.

That was a lot of fun, Stegall remarked. It’s everything I had anticipated. I had some time to run about. I was thrown one ball. I held onto it. Even if it was a poor throw, I feel really lucky to have had the opportunity to go through it and experience it again.

Stegall, a nine-time CFL All-Star, still owns a number of league records. After spending 14 seasons with the Bombers, the 2002 CFL Most Outstanding Player played in 199 games for the team.

He retired after the 2008 season, thus this is the first time he has worn a club uniform on the field.