Milt Stegall on Paying it Forward with The Salvation Army
When the planning committee for the Winnipeg Hope in the City event realized their event was going to fall smack in the middle of Grey Cup week celebrations in 2025, one potential host stood out among the rest. CFL All-Star, TSN analyst and former Winnipeg Blue Bomber Milt Stegall has a strong connection to the city, where, many years after he hung up his cleats, he is still treated like a superstar. He is also a man of faith who believes strongly in giving back to the communities that have given him so much.
“When I was playing, I did some things with the Salvation Army, some volunteering. I think the year was like 2005 or 2006. So there was always an interest there, but then someone reached out to my representative about an event that was going on during Grey Cup, and it was perfect timing for me to get back involved again with a great organization that does so many things for so many throughout Winnipeg,” he says.
Stegall says that besides marrying his wife and having children, signing a contract in Winnipeg in 1995 was the best decision he ever made. He says he never gets tired of folks wanting to chat, take a picture or get an autograph, and while he admits that may boost his athlete’s ego, he understands there’s more to it.
“I’m all about giving, about helping others. There’s a saying that goes, ‘It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice. ’ You know, anyone can take, but can you give? Can you help out others, and sometimes helping out others without no one else knowing. Those are the true moments. Everyone doesn’t need to know what you’re doing, what you’re giving back. It’s [also] OK to let that out sometimes, because that may inspire others. But sometimes just give back without others knowing. And I know the Salvation Army does a lot of that.”
In 2012, Stegall was elected into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, and he was added to the Winnipeg Football Club’s Ring of Honour on July 29th, 2016. Although he officially retired from professional football on February 18, 2009, he remains one of the most popular CFL players among the media and is often praised by his former teammates and colleagues for his work ethic, personality, and leadership.
Join us for an afternoon of inspiration and to raise funds for the vital services and programs Winnipeggers depend on. Get your tickets at HopeWinnipeg.ca.
