The path to the CFL playoffs now involves Vernon Adams Jr. in Calgary.
The Stampeders brought in the quarterback from the B.C. Lions just a month after ending their worst season in 20 years in 2024, where they finished at the bottom of the CFL with a record of 5-12-1.
The decision by the Lions to choose Nathan Rourke as their primary quarterback and Calgary’s search for improvement after two and a half seasons with Jake Maier led the 32-year-old Adams to a team eager for a fresh start in 2025, having missed the playoffs for the first time in 19 years.
“He’s Vernon Adams, he’s Big-Play VA, so he’s going to bring Calgary back to where it used to be,” receiver Dominique Rhymes said confidently.
“He’s used to winning, so he will bring that winning attitude, and I believe it will happen right away.”
Adams refutes the idea that B.C.’s choice of Rourke gives him extra motivation now as a Stampeder.
“No, not at all. I feel blessed and grateful,” the Californian expressed. “I’m thrilled that a team wants me, and I’m here. It’s the beginning of a new journey, and it feels great.”
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The five-foot-11, 195-pound quarterback led the CFL in passing yards in 2023 with 4,769 and placed second in touchdowns with 31. He was considered a contender for the Most Outstanding Player in 2024 until an injury sidelined him in August.
CFL quarterbacks often receive both undue accolades for victories and criticism for losses in a team-centric sport, yet their significance in this three-down league is undeniable.
“One twelfth, but quarterback play is crucial,” remarked Stampeders coach and general manager Dave Dickenson, a former CFL quarterback himself.
“I don’t need extravagant plays. Make plays, absolutely, but do what’s necessary to win. He’s demonstrated that throughout his career. He is certainly a winner who finds ways to win games, even when he’s not at his best.”
“I truly believe he was the frontrunner for the MOP halfway through last season, and injuries disrupted that. Careers can be unpredictable like that. They can move you from one city to another. I think he’s glad to be here, and we just need to support him so he can be his best self.”
New Stampeder quarterbacks coach Dakota Prukop has closely observed Adams’ journey since both played in the Big Sky Conference—Prukop for Montana State and Adams for Eastern Washington.
Both players later transferred to Oregon, with Prukop joining the Ducks a year after Adams. They continued to encounter each other in the CFL before meeting again at Lions training camp last year.
“Vernon’s an experienced player in the CFL, but this is his first year learning this playbook,” Prukop stated.
“His knack for understanding this playbook and focusing on the details has been really remarkable. That doesn’t surprise me; I recognized his professionalism during our time in B.C.
“I wouldn’t call him someone who only shines during games, but he definitely has an extra drive on game day. When pressure mounts and the score is close, he’s the person you want leading your team.”
Since he threw his first CFL pass for the Montreal Alouettes in 2016, Adams has accumulated 16,190 passing yards with a completion rate of 64%. He has thrown 86 touchdown passes and 54 interceptions, in addition to rushing for 24 touchdowns.
“I realized I needed to minimize interceptions,” Adams commented. “I just focus on protecting the ball and getting it to my playmakers. They can handle the rest.”
© 2025 The Canadian Press
