Photo courtesy: Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Legendary CFL linebacker Adam Bighill has announced his retirement from pro football, signing a one-day contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The 37-year-old last played for Winnipeg in 2024, making 48 defensive tackles and one sack over 10 starts before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He spent part of the 2025 season with the Calgary Stampeders, posting 12 defensive tackles and one special teams tackle in six games.
Bighill spent the six seasons with the Bombers, joining the team in 2018 after a stint with the New Orleans Saints. The five-foot-ten, 241-pound linebacker helped the team reach five consecutive Grey Cup games, winning a pair of titles in 2019 and 2021.
The twelve-year veteran has played 196 regular-season CFL games since beginning his career with the B.C. Lions in 2011. He’s recorded 951 defensive tackles, 72 special teams tackles, 50 sacks, 15 interceptions, 14 forced fumbles, and one touchdown, putting him on track to be a first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee.
The native of Montesano, Wash., has won the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player award three times, including twice with the Bombers, while earning six All-CFL selections and eight West Division all-star nods. In 2024, he was given the CFLPA’s Tom Pate Memorial Award for outstanding sportsmanship and dedication to his team and community.
