Breaking: Adam Bighill has retired from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after a standout CFL career

Adam Bighill has officially announced his retirement from professional football, signing a one-day contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to close out an outstanding career.

The 37-year-old last suited up for Winnipeg in 2024, where he recorded 48 defensive tackles and a sack across 10 starts before a season-ending knee injury cut his campaign short.

He later had a brief spell with the Calgary Stampeders in 2025, adding 12 defensive tackles and a special teams tackle in six appearances. Bighill originally joined the Blue Bombers in 2018 after time with the New Orleans Saints and went on to spend six seasons in Winnipeg, helping the team reach five straight Grey Cup appearances and winning championships in 2019 and 2021.

Across a 12-year CFL career that began with the BC Lions in 2011, Bighill played 196 regular-season games and built an elite résumé that includes 951 defensive tackles, 50 sacks, 15 interceptions, and 14 forced fumbles. His consistent production has placed him among the most accomplished defensive players in league history and a strong candidate for Hall of Fame recognition.

The Montesano, Washington native also collected numerous individual honours, including three CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player awards, six All-CFL selections, and eight West Division all-star nods. In 2024, he was also recognised with the CFL Players’ Association’s Tom Pate Memorial Award for his leadership, sportsmanship, and community impact.