Electing to Receive
Stegall becomes new #2
When Milt Stegall signed as a free agent with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1995, Manitobans had no idea what was in store.
But the Cincinnati, Ohio native is now the second leading receiver in CFL history, surpassing Darren Flutie and trailing only Hall of Famer Allen Pitts.
Stegall began his professional career in 1992 with the hometown Bengals of the NFL. But after appearing in just 21 games over three years returning kick-offs, the crafty receiver went looking for a place where he could better use his talents.
Next Stop: Winnipeg
At the tail end of 1995, Stegall appeared in six games with the Bombers and managed to catch 25 passes for 469 yards and his first four CFL touchdowns.
Two years later, he cracked the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his CFL career and finished the season as an East Division and CFL All-Star. Both feats would be repeated many times over the years.
In the 2000 season, Stegall led the league in touchdowns for the first time with 15. He also finished second in the league in receiving yards with 1,499 and was named the Blue Bombers Most Outstanding Player.
But that was just a hint of things to come as 'Turtle Man' put together one of the greatest seasons in CFL history in 2002. Stegall led the league in receptions (106), receiving yards (1,896), yards from scrimmage (1,896), touchdowns (23), receiving touchdowns (23), 100-yard games (10) among other categories.
The touchdowns and receiving touchdowns accomplishments remain league records to this day. To no one's surprise, he was named the league's Most Outstanding Player.
In 2004, the Bombers' legend became the franchise leader in receptions, surpassing James Murphy with his 574th reception. The following year, he finished atop the league in majors again with 17 and established another league mark with 129 career touchdown receptions.
Last season, Stegall completed his eighth consecutive 1,000-yard campaign and picked up seven more touchdowns, leaving him one short of the all-time record.
Next stop: Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
Now about that Grey Cup...
Career Statistics
| YEAR | TEAM | REC | YDS | AVG | TD |
|---|
| 1995 | WPG | 25 | 469 | 18.8 | 4 |
| 1996 | WPG | 34 | 613 | 18.0 | 6 |
| 1997 | WPG | 61 | 1616 | 26.5 | 14 |
| 1998 | WPG | 32 | 403 | 12.6 | 7 |
| 1999 | WPG | 73 | 1193 | 16.3 | 7 |
| 2000 | WPG | 78 | 1499 | 19.2 | 15 |
| 2001 | WPG | 81 | 1214 | 15.0 | 14 |
| 2002 | WPG | 105 | 1862 | 17.7 | 23 |
| 2003 | WPG | 68 | 1144 | 16.8 | 15 |
| 2004 | WPG | 68 | 1121 | 16.5 | 7 |
| 2005 | WPG | 52 | 1184 | 22.8 | 17 |
| 2006 | WPG | 77 | 1252 | 16.3 | 7 |
| 2007 | WPG | 60 | 977 | 16.3 | 7 |
| TOTALS | 816 | 14,564 | 17.8 | 143 |
|---|