CTV News Calgary has reported:

Calgary Stampeders equipment manager George Hopkins will leave the role at the end of the CFL season after 55 years with the team. The Stampeders said Thursday that the 67-year-old Calgarian will continue with the organization as an ambassador.

Hopkins joined Calgary as a ball boy in 1972, when he was 13, and has overseen equipment since 1977. A fixture on the sideline, he is known for wearing shorts in cold weather and has missed only five games during his career.

He has been part of six Grey Cup-winning Stampeders teams, in 1992, 1998, 2001, 2008, 2014 and 2018. Saturday’s game against the B.C. Lions at McMahon Stadium will be his 1,094th, counting pre-season, regular-season, playoff and Grey Cup games. It is Calgary’s final regular-season game; the team then has a bye week, with its playoff prospects uncertain.

Hopkins’ responsibilities included player safety and ordering, fitting and issuing equipment from head to toe. He also managed locker-room operations and coordinated the transportation of equipment to other CFL cities.

In the off-season, Hopkins has worked with Alberta high schools and minor football programs on equipment inspections, offering guidance and knowledge. He is also vice-president of the Calgary Spring Football Association.

“Geo has been an important part of the Calgary Stampeders family, and his contributions extend far beyond his role as equipment manager,” team president Jay McNeil said. “He has built lasting relationships throughout our club and earned the respect of everyone who has had the privilege of working with him. We thank George for his years of dedication and wish him all the best in this next chapter.”

In a statement, Hopkins thanked the organization for its support and recognized the people he worked with. “I’d like to thank the Stampeders organization for their trust and support throughout all the years,” he said. “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.”

He also thanked his wife, Cathy, and children Jorde and Hunter for understanding his absences. “This is just the end of a chapter,” Hopkins said. The report was first published by The Canadian Press on Oct. 15, 2026.