Milt Stegall
Milt Stegall
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Milton Eugene Stegall (born January 25, 1970)[2] is an American former professional football player who played 14 years in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and three years in the National Football League (NFL). He is currently an analyst on the CFL on TSN studio panel.

Key Information

Stegall was an All-Star receiver for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL. Spanning a 14-year career from 1995 to 2008, he held several major CFL records upon his retirement including most career receiving yards, and currently holds the record for career receiving touchdowns and most touchdowns scored. In 2012, he was elected into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

Early life

[edit]

Stegall was born in Cincinnati, the fifth of five children of Betty Stegall (1935 - 2020) and Garland J. Stegall (1922–1987). He attended Roger Bacon High School, where he was an All-State football player, All-City basketball player and qualified for the state track meet his senior year. Stegall started playing football at age 4 for now defunct Parchman & Oyler Pop Warner Football. During a three-year span (ages 8–10), Stegall scored 87 touchdowns playing running back, a record still held today.[citation needed]

College career

[edit]

Stegall attended Miami University, where he was a four-year football letterman from 1988 to 1991. Stegall finished with 106 receptions for 1,581 yards, and eight touchdowns as a wide receiver. Because of his speed (he competed on Miami's track and field team where he holds the 3rd fastest 100 meter dash, 10.44 seconds, and 5th fastest 200 meter dash, 21.24 seconds) he was also a dynamic tap dancer, and kick returner, setting a career record of 1,377 kick return yards which lasted until 2002, beaten by defensive back Milt Bowen, who like Stegall signed with the Cincinnati Bengals after college. All of these accomplishments garnered Stegall an honorable mention all-Mid-American Conference selection as a junior.

Professional career

[edit]

Cincinnati Bengals

[edit]

Stegall signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals. He played 21 games over 3 seasons, where he had four receptions for 43 yards and one touchdown.[3] He was primarily played as a kick returner though, where he totaled 446 yards off of 26 kickoffs and made five tackles on special teams.

Green Bay Packers

[edit]

In the 1995 season, he was signed as a free agent by the Green Bay Packers, but was a late cut after a serious knee injury during the final days of training camp.[citation needed]

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (first stint)

[edit]

In 1995, Stegall decided to go north to the Canadian Football League and signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers where he played the final 6 games of the 1995 CFL season, with 469 receiving yards, and two punt returns, one for 80 yards. In his first full season in 1996, he gained 613 yards receiving on 34 catches for 6 touchdowns.

Stegall started out as a slotback/wide receiver, garnering him an All-Star selection in the 1997 season after having a 1,616 yard season.

New Orleans Saints

[edit]

Stegall signed with the New Orleans Saints February 10, 1998.[1] He was later released on August 25, 1998.[1]

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (second stint)

[edit]

Stegall re-signed with Winnipeg on September 18, 1998.[1] He made the switch to slotback permanently which let him start the play closer to the middle of the larger field. Stegall flourished as a slotback, where in the CFL a player is allowed a running start before the play to gain momentum, being able to outrun defenders with his impressive speed. Stegall would go on to get 3 more All-Star selections as a slotback, peaking in 2002 where he had one of the greatest individual seasons in CFL history. He led the CFL in receptions (106), receiving yards (1,896), yards from scrimmage (1,896), touchdowns (23), receiving touchdowns (23), 100-yard games (10), 100-yard receiving games (10), average yards per catch (17.9) and non-kicker scoring (140). He set a new league single-season record for touchdowns with 23 and a new league single-season record for receiving touchdowns, also with 23. All of these made him the obvious choice as the CFL's Most Outstanding Player.

Stegall continued his excellence throughout the seasons with the Blue Bombers. Throughout his career, Stegall led the CFL in receptions once, he twice led the league in receiving yards and he led the league in touchdown receptions 5 times. In 2005 at age 35, some thought Stegall's play would be on the decline, but he shrugged off critics by capping off the season with his 5th All-Star selection. Amidst endless offensive coordinator changes, as well as many head coach changes, Stegall still remained a reliable, and at times unstoppable force for the Blue Bombers. Arguably one of the most popular Bombers of all time he was named to the All-Time 75th Anniversary Team. With the 2005 season over, there was speculation that Stegall would retire, but he soon announced that he would in fact return.

On July 20, 2006, Stegall scored the winning 100-yard touchdown reception to lead the Blue Bombers to a 25–22 victory over the Edmonton Eskimos with no time left. It has been dubbed the "Miracle Catch" by many Blue Bomber fans. In addition to the last play heroics, Stegall had 254 yards receiving in the game, and many regard his performance that day as the best of his career.[4] Despite a successful 2006 campaign for Stegall, the Blue Bombers once again failed to achieve playoff success. After more retirement speculation, Stegall announced in December of 2006 that he would return to the Blue Bombers for, at least, one more year.[5]

On June 28, 2007, Milt Stegall scored the game-tying touchdown versus the Edmonton Eskimos to tie the all-time touchdown record, shared with George Reed and Mike Pringle at 137 Touchdowns.[6] In the 5th game of the Bombers' 2007 season, July 27, 2007, Stegall became the all-time CFL touchdown leader on a 1-yard pass originally designed as a running play for the occasion, surpassing running backs Mike Pringle and George Reed, and went on to score another major before the end of the game to bring his total up to that point to 139 touchdowns.[7]

Stegall had said that he was 99.9% sure that he was going to retire after then 2007 season but on January 31, 2008, announced he was returning to the Bombers for another year.[8][9][10] On September 12, 2008, Stegall initially tied Allen Pitts with a 16-yard touchdown reception to become the CFL's all-time leader in career receiving yards. Shortly thereafter, Stegall surpassed Pitts with a highlight reel 92-yard touchdown catch and run, totaling 14,982 yards in his career. On June 29, 2012, he was surpassed by Geroy Simon of the BC Lions and is currently second in career receiving yards at 15,153 yards.

Although Stegall played in the CFL for many years, has accomplished impressive numbers, and is considered by many to be one of the greatest receivers in CFL history, Stegall never won the Grey Cup - despite reaching Grey Cup game twice: the 89th Grey Cup vs. Calgary and 95th Grey Cup vs. Saskatchewan.[11]

Stegall officially retired from professional football on February 18, 2009.[12] He retired with CFL records for career touchdowns (147), career receiving touchdowns (144), and receiving yards (15,153).

Legacy

[edit]

On August 24, 2007, the premier of Manitoba honoured Stegall with the Order of the Buffalo Hunt. In addition, the mayor of Winnipeg honoured Stegall with the key to the city. He also was honoured with a street in Winnipeg adjacent to Canad Inns Stadium formerly called Arena Road (in reference to the former Winnipeg Arena) which was renamed Milt Stegall Drive.

Stegall was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2012. On August 3, 2016, at halftime of the Blue Bombers home game against the Tiger-Cats, he was inducted into the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Ring of Honour.[13]

In recognition of Stegall's contributions to the community and the province of Manitoba, the Manitoba Foundation for Sports provides scholarships to young athletes in his name through the MFFS Milt Stegall Scholarship.[14]

CFL career statistics

[edit]
Receiving   Regular season   Playoffs
Year Team Games No. Yards Avg Long TD Games No. Yards Avg Long TD
1992 CIN 16 3 35 11.7 13 1 Team did not qualify
1993 CIN 4 1 8 8.0 8 0 Team did not qualify
1994 CIN 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 Team did not qualify
1995 WPG 6 25 469 18.8 51 4 1 5 78 15.6 28 0
1996 WPG 11 34 613 18.0 54 6 1 1 5 5.0 5 0
1997 WPG 18 61 1616 26.5 105 14 Team did not qualify
1998 WPG 7 32 403 12.6 62 6 Team did not qualify
1999 WPG 13 73 1193 16.3 99 6 Team did not qualify
2000 WPG 16 78 1499 19.2 86 15 2 9 140 15.6 31 2
2001 WPG 16 81 1214 15.0 79 14 2 9 199 22.1 70 2
2002 WPG 18 105 1862 17.7 83 23
2003 WPG 18 68 1144 16.8 73 15 1 0 0 0.0 0 0
2004 WPG 16 68 1121 16.5 67 6 Team did not qualify
2005 WPG 17 52 1184 22.8 101 17 Team did not qualify
2006 WPG 14 79 1269 16.1 100 7 1 2 76 38.0 59 0
2007 WPG 17 69 1108 16.1 49 8 3 13 181 13.9 42 2
2008 WPG 12 29 458 15.8 92 3 1 5 56 11.2 16 0
NFL totals 21 4 43 10.8 13 1
CFL totals 199 854 15,153 17.7 105 144 12 44 735 16.7 70 6

Career highlights

[edit]

Awards and honors

[edit]

CFL records

[edit]
  • Most TDs in a career – 147
  • Most TD receptions in a career – 144
  • Most TDs in one season – 23 (2002)
  • Most TD receptions in one season – 23 (2002)
  • Most yards per catch in a season – 26.5 (1997)
  • Most yards in one season by a Bombers receiver – 1,862 (2002)
  • Most 1000+ yard receiving seasons by a Bombers receiver – 10
  • Most career yards receiving by a Bombers receiver −15,153
  • CFL Most Outstanding Player – 2002
  • Named as receiver in top passing tandem in CFL history together with Khari Jones
  • In 2006 was named 15th on the CFL's Top 50 players of the modern era by Canadian sports network TSN.

Media personality

[edit]

Stegall is one of the most popular CFL players among the media.[15] He was voted the best looking man in the CFL.[16] He often received praise from his teammates for his work ethic, personality, and leadership.[17]

In June 2009, it was announced that Stegall would join TSN as an analyst for their CFL broadcasts throughout the 2009 CFL season.[18] Stegall remains a prominent member of the CFL analyst panel on CFL on TSN broadcasts.

Personal life

[edit]

Stegall and his wife Darlene are the parents of sons Chase and Colin. He currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia.[19] He made it clear one of the conditions he would hold off retirement and return to playing was if his wife gave birth to their second son Colin in Winnipeg.[20] His older son Chase was a student at DePaul University and a midfielder for their men's soccer team before his death in June 2025.[21]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Milt Stegall

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Milt Stegall is a retired American-born Canadian football wide receiver, best known for his 14-season tenure with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL) from 1995 to 2008, where he established himself as one of the league's all-time greats through his explosive speed, reliable hands, and scoring prowess.[1][2] Holding the CFL record for most career touchdowns with 147 (144 receiving), he also amassed 15,153 receiving yards on 854 receptions, including a single-season high of 23 touchdowns in 2002 that earned him the league's Most Outstanding Player award.[1][2] Stegall's accolades include six CFL All-Star selections (1997, 2000–2002, 2005–2006), eight divisional All-Star nods, and the Tom Pate Memorial Award in 2007 for his sportsmanship and community contributions, culminating in his induction into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2012.[1][2] Born on January 25, 1970, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Stegall was influenced by his parents, Betty (a nurse) and Garland (a factory foreman and later grocery store manager), who instilled a strong work ethic amid their sacrifices to support the family.[3] At Roger Bacon High School in Cincinnati, he earned All-State honors in football and All-City recognition in basketball, showcasing his multi-sport talent before attending Miami University in Ohio, where he recorded 106 receptions for 1,581 yards and earned three-time All-Mid-American Conference honors as a wide receiver.[4][1] Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1992 NFL Draft (10th round, 269th overall), Stegall appeared in 21 games over three seasons (1992–1994) with the Bengals, followed by brief stints with the Green Bay Packers in 1995 and the New Orleans Saints in 1998, where an ACL injury in training camp limited his opportunities.[2][5] Joining the Blue Bombers midway through the 1995 season after being released by the Packers, Stegall quickly adapted to the CFL's wider field and unique rules, leading Winnipeg in receiving for nine seasons (eight consecutively from 1999 to 2006) and achieving ten 1,000-yard receiving seasons, including a franchise-record 54 games with 100 or more yards.[2][5] His 2002 campaign—105 receptions for 1,862 yards and 23 touchdowns—remains one of the most dominant individual performances in CFL history, powering the Bombers to the Grey Cup game.[6] Beyond statistics, Stegall's leadership and character were recognized with the Cal Murphy Heart of a Legend Award in 2006 and 2007, as well as the Ed Kotowich Good Guy Award in 2005 and 2007 for his media relations.[2] Retiring after the 2008 season, he transitioned into broadcasting as a CFL analyst for TSN, while residing in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife Darlene and son Collin; his son Chase died on June 2, 2025, and he continues to engage in community work in Manitoba.[2][7][8]

Early Years

Early Life

Milton Eugene Stegall was born on January 25, 1970, in Cincinnati, Ohio.[9] He grew up as the youngest of three boys and two girls in a close-knit family.[5] Stegall's parents, Betty and Garland Stegall, played pivotal roles in shaping his character and interests. Betty worked for over 30 years as a nurse at Shriners Hospital in Cincinnati, while Garland served as a foreman at a chemical plant, owned the family's grocery store, pursued real estate ventures, and passed away during Milt's senior year of high school.[3][5] The family emphasized hard work and education, supporting all five children through university.[3] Stegall has often cited his parents as his primary role models, crediting them with instilling the discipline and values that guided his athletic pursuits.[3] From a young age, Stegall showed a natural affinity for sports amid Cincinnati's enthusiastic local sports culture, home to professional teams like the NFL's Bengals and MLB's Reds. He began playing football at age four or five in youth leagues with older children, initially as a running back and defensive back.[3][5] He also started jogging regularly at ages six or seven alongside his siblings, building a foundation of fitness and endurance that would define his career.[5] Stegall attended Roger Bacon High School, a Roman Catholic institution in Cincinnati, where he first engaged in organized high school football and honed his multi-sport talents. There, he earned All-State honors in football, All-City recognition in basketball, and qualified for the state track meet as a senior in 1988.[4][5]

College Career

Milt Stegall attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, from 1988 to 1991, where he competed as a wide receiver for the RedHawks football team while also participating in track and field.[6] Over his four seasons, Stegall established himself as a reliable pass-catcher, accumulating 106 receptions for 1,581 yards and 8 touchdowns.[6] His consistent performance earned him three Mid-American Conference All-Conference selections, highlighting his development into a versatile athlete capable of contributing to both offensive plays and special teams.[1] Stegall's speed, honed on the gridiron and track, became a defining aspect of his college profile. As a member of the Miami track and field team, he achieved times that rank among the program's all-time best, including a 100-meter dash time of 10.44 seconds (third all-time) and a 200-meter dash time of 21.24 seconds (seventh all-time), both achieved in 1993.[10] These accomplishments underscored his explosive athleticism, which translated directly to his football prowess, allowing him to excel in route-running and deep-threat situations during games. Entering his senior year, Stegall positioned himself as a prospect for the NFL, leveraging his dual-sport success to attract attention from professional scouts despite not being a high-profile draft candidate.[11] His college tenure, building on a strong high school foundation at Roger Bacon High School in Cincinnati, prepared him for the 1992 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 10th round (269th overall).[4][9]

Professional Football Career

NFL Career

After a standout college career at Miami University, where he set receiving records, Milt Stegall entered the NFL drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 10th round of the 1992 NFL Draft.[9] He spent three seasons with the team from 1992 to 1994, primarily contributing on special teams as a wide receiver and return specialist.[12] Over his Bengals tenure, Stegall appeared in 21 games, recording just 4 receptions for 43 yards and 1 touchdown—his only NFL scoring play, which came on October 11, 1992, against the Houston Oilers.[9] His limited offensive role stemmed from intense competition for roster spots among a deep Bengals receiving corps and the challenges of establishing himself as a rookie in a league favoring established talent.[13] In 1995, Stegall signed as a free agent with the Green Bay Packers during training camp, hoping to secure a spot on the team.[5] However, he suffered a significant knee injury early in camp, leading to his release before the regular season began and no games played.[13] In 1998, while with the Blue Bombers, Stegall attempted a return to the NFL by attending training camp with the New Orleans Saints, but suffered an ACL injury and was released, returning to Winnipeg later that season.[2] These persistent injuries, combined with the fierce competition in the NFL, ultimately prompted Stegall to transition to the Canadian Football League later that year.[14]

CFL Career

Following his release from the Green Bay Packers, Milt Stegall signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1995, appearing in the final six games of that season.[1] He played for the Bombers from 1995 to 2008, with a brief attempt to return to the NFL in 1998, spanning 14 seasons overall and establishing himself as one of the league's premier wide receivers known for his speed and touchdown prowess.[15][2] Over his CFL tenure, Stegall amassed 845 receptions for 15,153 receiving yards and 147 total touchdowns, including 144 receiving touchdowns, setting league records for the latter two categories at the time of his retirement.[15][2] These figures underscored his consistency, with nine consecutive seasons of at least 1,000 receiving yards from 1997 to 2005 and ten seasons overall exceeding that mark.[15] Stegall's breakout year came in 1997, when he earned his first CFL All-Star selection with 61 receptions for 1,616 yards and 14 touchdowns, including a league-record 26.5 yards per catch.[1] His most dominant season followed in 2002, capturing the CFL's Most Outstanding Player award after recording 106 receptions for 1,896 yards and a single-season record 23 receiving touchdowns.[15][1] He repeated as a CFL All-Star in 2002 and again in 2005, highlighting his sustained excellence.[1] Stegall's contributions were pivotal to the Blue Bombers, leading the team in receiving nine times, including eight consecutive years from 1999 to 2006.[2] He helped guide Winnipeg to Grey Cup appearances in 2001 and 2007, though the team fell short in both contests.[15] On February 18, 2009, Stegall announced his retirement from professional football, concluding his career with the Blue Bombers and transitioning immediately into off-field opportunities.[11][16]

Post-Retirement Career

Media and Broadcasting

After retiring from professional football, Milt Stegall transitioned into sports broadcasting, leveraging his expertise as one of the CFL's most prolific receivers. In June 2009, he joined TSN as a guest analyst for the CFL on TSN broadcast team, providing expert commentary during the season preview show and subsequent games.[17] His role quickly expanded to include regular appearances as a studio host and game analyst, where he offered insights drawn from his 14-year CFL career with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.[18] Stegall has become a staple on CFL on TSN, known for his insightful analysis of receiver techniques and overall game strategy, which stems from his record-setting performance as the league's all-time leader in receiving touchdowns.[18] His commentary emphasizes the nuances of wide receiver play, such as route-running precision and defensive matchups, while breaking down broader tactical elements like offensive schemes and player positioning. This blend of on-field experience and analytical depth has earned him popularity among viewers for making complex strategies accessible.[18] In 2025, Stegall returned to the TSN panel for Week 7 broadcasts following a hiatus after the passing of his son Chase on June 2, joining the studio team in Winnipeg to cover the Blue Bombers' game against the Calgary Stampeders.[19] This appearance, his first since the tragedy, highlighted the Winnipeg community's support during his grief, underscoring his enduring connection to the city and franchise.[20]

Other Professional Activities

Following his retirement from professional football in 2008, Milt Stegall has been recognized for his contributions through several prestigious inductions and community honors. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2012 as part of a class that celebrated his record-setting career as a receiver for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.[1] In 2023, Stegall was enshrined in the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, joining a class that included athletes and builders from various sports, acknowledging his impact on Manitoba's sporting landscape.[21] Earlier, on August 24, 2007, while still active, he received the Order of the Buffalo Hunt from the Province of Manitoba, the highest civilian honor in the province, in recognition of breaking the all-time CFL touchdown record.[22] That same day, the City of Winnipeg presented him with the key to the city, symbolizing his embodiment of community spirit and athletic excellence.[22] Beyond these honors, Stegall has engaged in motivational speaking as a key post-retirement professional activity, drawing on his experiences to inspire audiences on themes of leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and goal-setting.[18] He delivers customized keynotes, workshops, and panel discussions at corporate events, sports banquets, educational institutions, and community gatherings across Canada, often tailoring content to emphasize discipline and overcoming adversity.[18] Notable engagements include a motivational talk for students at Kelvin High School in the Winnipeg School Division on April 27, 2021, focusing on achieving success through dedication, and a keynote at the Steinbach Pistons' Annual Fire and Ice Banquet in 2025, where his energetic delivery highlighted personal growth and team dynamics.[23][24] In November 2025, he served as the guest speaker for the Salvation Army's Hope in the City event in Winnipeg on November 12, sharing insights from his career and personal challenges to promote philanthropy and resilience.[25] These speaking roles complement his public profile while allowing him to mentor the next generation on football-related life lessons.

Personal Life

Family

Milt Stegall married Darlene Stegall in 2002, after meeting her in 1997 at a fundraiser in Cincinnati during his early NFL years.[5] The couple has two sons: Chase Stegall, born November 2004, and Collin Stegall, born in 2008 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.[26][27][5] Chase, who pursued soccer at DePaul University in Chicago, died suddenly on June 2, 2025, at age 20 in an incident at his university residence.[28][29] During Stegall's CFL tenure with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 1995 to 2008, his family split time between Winnipeg and Atlanta, Georgia, where Darlene and the children provided essential support amid the demands of professional football, with the family based in Atlanta during off-seasons.[3] This familial presence influenced key career decisions, such as Stegall's consultations with Darlene before extending his contract for the 2008 season.[30] Atlanta, Georgia, has served as the family's primary base since at least the mid-2000s to accommodate Darlene's business commitments and provide a stable environment for the children.[26] After Stegall's retirement in 2008, the family transitioned to full-time residence there, shifting from the seasonal demands of his playing career.[31]

Reflections and Challenges

In July 2025, during his return to Winnipeg for TSN broadcasts, Milt Stegall openly reflected on the profound grief following the unexpected death of his 20-year-old son, Chase, on June 2, 2025, describing it as "the toughest moment of my life."[32] He shared how the loss triggered intense emotional responses, such as while driving or viewing family photos, and recounted the dual funerals held in Chicago and Atlanta, emphasizing the raw pain of receiving the news from Chase's soccer coach at DePaul University.[27] Stegall drew parallels to his father's death at age 17, recalling his mother's advice to grieve but continue living, which has guided his mindset amid the sorrow.[27] Stegall has publicly discussed his healing process as gradual and supported by family, faith, and community, noting a shift toward "more highs than lows" six weeks after the loss.[27] In November 2025 interviews, he emphasized that faith has been the anchor in his coping, stating "Without faith, I wouldn't be here."[33][34] He credits exercise as a form of therapy, though it offers no full relief, and highlights the "overwhelming" support from the CFL community, including moments of silence dedicated to Chase during the 2025 season.[32][35] In interviews, he emphasized personal growth through adversity, urging others to "keep moving" and enjoy life as Chase did, while honoring his son's selfless and outgoing legacy that impacted those around him.[27] Returning to broadcasting in Winnipeg felt therapeutic, bringing "tears of joy" from the city's embrace, which he views as a step in rebuilding.[27][36] Residing in Atlanta, Georgia, Stegall maintains an active lifestyle centered on training, a hobby he pursues with the intensity of his playing days to stay physically and mentally sharp.[2] His community involvement includes charitable efforts, such as supporting The Salvation Army's initiatives, reflecting a commitment to giving back post-retirement.[37] Beyond recent loss, Stegall has navigated broader challenges like adapting to life after a 17-year professional football career marked by injuries, including a hamstring pull early on and an injury-plagued 2008 season that contributed to his retirement.[11][14] He has spoken about the inherent risks of the sport, such as concussions and joint injuries, and the post-career trauma faced by many former players, advocating for better compensation to ease transitions while acknowledging football's unfixable violent nature.[38] Despite these hurdles, Stegall has successfully pivoted to broadcasting, viewing it as a fulfilling way to remain connected to the game without the physical toll.[38]

Legacy and Achievements

Awards and Honors

Milt Stegall's exceptional performance in the 2002 CFL season culminated in him being named the league's Most Outstanding Player, recognizing his pivotal role in leading the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' offense during a standout campaign.[6][5] Throughout his career, Stegall earned six CFL All-Star selections (1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006), highlighting his consistent excellence as a receiver, along with eight divisional All-Star nods (1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007).[1][2] Stegall received the Tom Pate Memorial Award in 2007 for his sportsmanship and contributions to community, as well as the Cal Murphy Heart of a Legend Award in 2006 and 2007, and the Ed Kotowich Good Guy Award in 2005 and 2007 for his positive media relations.[1][2] Stegall's contributions to Canadian football were formally acknowledged through several Hall of Fame inductions. In 2012, he was enshrined in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2012, honoring his 14-season tenure with the Blue Bombers and his status as one of the league's premier wide receivers.[1][2] More recently, in 2023, Stegall was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, celebrating his impact on the sport within the province where he spent his entire professional career.[21][39] In recognition of his achievements and community involvement, Stegall received notable civic honors in Winnipeg. On August 24, 2007, following a milestone in his career, he was presented with the Key to the City by Mayor Sam Katz, symbolizing his embodiment of the city's spirit and dedication.[22][40] That same day, Manitoba Premier Gary Doer inducted him into the Order of the Buffalo Hunt, the province's highest civilian honor, for his outstanding leadership and contributions to sports and society.[22][41] In 2025, as Stegall returned to his broadcasting role with TSN following a period of personal grief, he received an emotional standing ovation from fans at a Winnipeg Blue Bombers game, serving as a heartfelt tribute to his enduring legacy in the community.[42]

Statistics and Records

Milt Stegall's NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals was brief and limited, spanning the 1992–1994 seasons, during which he appeared in 21 games, recording 4 receptions for 43 yards and 1 touchdown.[12] In the Canadian Football League (CFL), with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1995 and then primarily with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 1996 to 2008, Stegall amassed impressive totals over 14 seasons: 854 receptions for 15,153 receiving yards and 144 receiving touchdowns, contributing to 147 total touchdowns including 2 rushing and 1 kick return.[15][2][43] Stegall holds several all-time CFL records, including the most career touchdowns (147) and the most receiving touchdowns (144), while his 15,153 receiving yards ranked first until surpassed in 2011.[15][2] His standout 2002 season exemplifies his dominance, as he led the CFL with 105 receptions for 1,862 yards and a league-record 23 receiving touchdowns in 18 games, setting the single-season mark for touchdowns that still stands.[15][44] Other notable seasons include 2000 (78 receptions, 1,499 yards, 15 TDs) and 2005 (52 receptions, 1,184 yards, 17 TDs), contributing to 10 seasons of 1,000 or more receiving yards, the second-most in CFL history.[43][15]
CategoryNFL Career (1992-1994)CFL Career (1995-2008)
Games Played21216
Receptions4854
Receiving Yards4315,153
Receiving Touchdowns1144
Total Touchdowns1147

References

  1. Milton “Milt” Stegall - Canadian Football Hall of Fame
  2. Alumni Profile: Milt Stegall - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
  3. The Milt Stegall Story - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
  4. Milt Stegall - Roger Bacon High School
  5. Stegall on the verge of history - CFL.ca
  6. Former Miami Wide Receiver Milt Stegall Named CFL Outstanding ...
  7. 54-year-old Milt Stegall turns back the clock at Winnipeg Blue ... - CBC
  8. Milt Stegall Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College
  9. [PDF] Track & Field All-Time Top 10 - Amazon S3
  10. CFL icon Stegall calls it quits | CBC Sports
  11. Milt Stegall Career Stats - NFL - ESPN
  12. Stegall named to Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame - Winnipeg Free Press
  13. Milt's Magic? Hard work - CFL.ca
  14. By the Numbers: Milt Stegall - CFL.ca
  15. Milt Stegall retires after 14 years with Blue Bombers - Toronto Star
  16. TSN to air entire 2009 CFL season
  17. Milt Stegall: CFL's All-Time Leading Receiver Unveiled - ProSpeakers
  18. Milt Stegall returning to CFL on TSN for Week 7, will join panel in ...
  19. Winnipeg-wide hug awaits former Blue Bomber Milt Stegall
  20. Hall of Fame Inductee Spotlight: Milt Stegall - Sport Manitoba
  21. Stegall honoured for all-time TD record - CFL.ca
  22. Milt Stegall - Winnipeg School Division
  23. A night of celebration and support for the Steinbach Pistons
  24. Hope in the City Winnipeg - Prairies and Northern Territories
  25. Milt Stegall putting off CFL retirement | CBC Sports
  26. Bombers legend Stegall reflects on grief, loss and healing in ...
  27. Tragedy strikes family of Blue Bombers legend Milt Stegall
  28. Family of Blue Bomber great Milt Stegall mourns death of son, Chase
  29. Out from under the Cone of Silence - CFL.ca
  30. Son of former NFL player, Atlanta native, dies unexpectedly
  31. 'Toughest moment of my life': Bombers great Stegall on losing his son
  32. Milt Stegall thanks fans, CFL community for 'overwhelming' support ...
  33. Winnipeg's support 'therapeutic' for football legend Stegall after ...
  34. https://salvationarmy.ca/pranorth/2025/11/milt-stegall-on-paying-it-forward-with-the-salvation-army/
  35. There is no fix to player safety issues in football, says CFL legend ...
  36. Milt Stegall to be inducted to the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame
  37. Milt Stegall Retires - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
  38. Memorable Manitobans: Manitoba Order of the Buffalo Hunt
  39. Stegall: "It wasn't just cheers that were coming out, it was 'We're with ...
  40. Milt Stegall football statistics on StatsCrew.com
  41. Milt Stegall Statistics
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