Winnipeg Free Press

For those of you who remember that I always said Chase would be the First Black President of the U.S., it seems that will not prove to be true. I’ve never been more excited about being wrong!

Nov. 4, 2008 will go down in history as a day that will be remembered by not only Americans but by those all over the world.

As a United States citizen I am absolutely thrilled with the outcome of the election for several reasons. One is the message of unity that the election of Barack Obama brings.

I remember the first speech that catapulted him into the mainstream media. It was at the Democratic Convention and he was a U.S. senator who spoke about not the blue states or the red states but at the United States.

That message continued to prevail from that first talked about speech to his acceptance speech last night. My hope is that under his administration the climate of America and the world will be one that embraces change and tries to unite people everywhere.

Another great message of this election is that if you sacrifice, work hard and keep God first, there is nothing that you can’t overcome. For so long it seemed that the highest office in the States was absolutely insurmountable and unachievable for an African American, but last night that hurdle came down.

As an African American it expands the possibility for my life and more importantly the lives of my two sons. I can truly say to them that they can be ANYTHING they want to be in this world. I hope that people everywhere can look at their children and see new possibilities because of the triumph we all witnessed.

It was truly an emotional night for me because a little over 40 years ago Black people were not even allowed to vote in America let alone run for office.

I think of all those before me who died for my right to vote and I am honoured that I was then able to exercise my vote and help to elect the First Black President of the U.S. - GO OBAMA!!

God Bless.
Milt

By Darlene Stegall

Life as a football player’s companion, whether it’s as a girlfriend, fiancée or wife, is truly a unique experience.

By definition you become the 13th (wo)man on the team. You live every victory, you cringe at every defeat.

You intricately know all the players – you hear about their personalities, their work ethic, and their struggles even before you have been formally introduced or sometimes before you can even match a face to a name. You’ve seen some of the plays or at least heard about the ones your guy really likes or the ones where he’s expressed some skepticism.

You know his pre-game routine, you get a glimpse of how his personality changes on the field, and you know the kid-like excitement he gets from winning and the disappointment he feels when things don’t go quite as planned. And no one prays more for the safety of the guys, cheers louder or hopes more for the victory of the team than the 13th woman.

I distinctly remember the first few seasons that I dated Milt, sitting in the stands on pins and needles because of the uncertainty of every single play. Will they win or lose the game? How will he perform? Is he going to get up after that 300 pounder just knocked him, for what seemed like 100 feet, up into the air?

But what I remember most are all of the headaches from the sheer worry about all of the above! Literally, after every game I would feel physically sick, win or lose, and I couldn’t get rid of the stress enduced sickness for several hours after all those unknowns were already statistics in the history books.

But then again what could be better than watching the guy you love play a game he has loved since he was a little kid, and have the fortune of actually make a living playing the sport as an adult?

And that is why the athelete’s companion can endure long-distance relationships, distance from other loved ones or just being geographically mobile and ready for the next trade.

That is why she can deal with the uncertainty of the job. That is why she can overcome the athlete stereotypes that our men and our families face on a daily basis. That is why she can handle the scrutiny from the media, and discern what is real and what simply sells more papers. That is why she is willing to share her guy with the fans who love him so much.

Many wives kiss their guys goodbye before they go to work, but how many of them wish them luck (or God’s Blessing) at least once a week, see them go on the work battlefield with all the adrenaline their bodies can handle, and get a glimpse of that kid-like flicker in their eyes?

Milt being able to play football and do what he loves is truly a gift from God and being able cheer him on as the 13th man is just watching God’s blessing in action.

Milt: Thanks, honey.
God Bless.

Will you & Khari be doing a signing session anytime before the season is over?
Comment by nicoleb — October 21, 2008 @ 11:00 am

No plans for me and Khari to do a session this season. He currently lives in Calgary so it’s difficult for us to connect unless something is planned out in advance.

Hi Milt,

Just wondering if your jersey number has any significance to you or did you take whatever they handed to you? No doubt there will never be another 85 after you!

Thanks for responding and good luck this year!

Mike

Comment by mjpwilliams — October 21, 2008 @ 11:17 am

Thanks for the question Mike. I did select the number 85 as it was one of the available numbers when I arrived. I was hoping to play until the age of 85, so I thought it was a good choice. Thank you for wishing us good luck!

Hi Milt,

Have you ever considered coaching in the future?

Thanks and Good Luck!

PS - You will always be the best and most good looking player on the Bombers! Thank you for returning for another season! =)
Comment by cdndanceteacher — October 21, 2008 @ 11:25 am

I try to never say never but coaching is such a time consuming occupation so it’s probably not something I would embark on in the future. I feel like I have been away from my family quite enough over the years and I look forward to spending more time with them after football. But never say never. Thanks for the compliments, I take my play on the field and my good looks quite seriously

Hi Milt, just wondering, I know you guys watch alot of tape, but just something i’ve been noticing from the armchair QB position, Every time Kevin calls a pass play rolling out to his left, the pass is either picked, or off target and usually underthrown. I know that it’s a tough pass, but every time I see the blocking moving left I kinda close my eyes and pray.
Has that ever come up in the offensive meetings?

Comment by dturner — October 21, 2008 @ 12:50 pm

Well, there is a lot to be said about your question. I don’t think what you said is quite true, as there have been times that Kevin has completed passes rolling out to his left. I can’t recall anytime that this has been mentioned in the meetings where I am in attendance. That said, Kevin attends meetings with the offensive coordinator and perhaps they have discussed the level of difficulty.

Hi Milt,

I’m wondering what do you think, do we need a new stadium?

Thanks for all the great moments over the years!

HC85

Comment by HC85 — October 21, 2008 @ 1:12 pm

A new stadium would be nice but I understand that given the level of funding needed, it is not as easy as it may seem. The way discussions have been going it is difficult to tell whether or not it will happen. If it does happen I will be back for the grand opening of the Milt “Good Looking” Stegall Stadium .

Hey Milt,

Has there ever been any thought toward auctioning off some of your game worn or game issued gear (jerseys, gloves, etc)with the proceeds going to a charity of your choice?

I’m sure there would be lots of interest and would help out a good cause.

Thanks and all the best.

Dan

Comment by dperrin — October 21, 2008 @ 1:12 pm

Hey Dan. I have donated items to be used towards charity auctions in the past. Not sure if you’ve noticed this or not, but every since the beginning of last year anytime that I score a touchdown my jersey is changed. Some of these jerseys will definitely be donated to charity in the future.

Milt,

What are the chances of you coaching for the Bombers one day? You are such a positive influence both on the team and the community that you would be a fantastic person to have stick around. Would you give it some thought if it were offered to you?

Comment by kgarnett — October 21, 2008 @ 3:21 pm

Please see my comments about coaching above. I hope that answers your question.

Hey Milt,

Both my kids are huge fans of yours and both play football themselves and they look up to you as a player on and off the field.
My kids would like to know what it feels like to be the leader in the CFL for all-time touchdowns and receiving yards?

As a parent that is deeply involved in the football community, I understand the time and dedication it takes to be an amateur player and can only imagine the time that you dedicate to being a professional.

Congratulations on all of your achievements and good luck with the rest of the season. We’ll be cheering for you and the Bombers all the way!!!

Comment by mrsace — October 21, 2008 @ 4:05 pm

First of all please tell your kids thanks for being such great fans and thank you all for continuing to cheer us on! As for how it feels to have broken the records, it was a great feeling but something that I know I couldn’t have accomplished alone. A lot of people along the way including teammates, coaches, friends, family, my beautiful wife and kids that helped me achieve such a great feat. It is pretty overwhelming, particularly the touchdown record because it was done in front of the home crowd. But even the receiving yardage record was amazing because of the outpour from the fans in Toronto because it was completely unexpected.

Hi Milt.

Have you every thought about coaching after your playing days are done. It would be terrific to have you on the sidelines coaching for the Blue and Gold. You have made us extremely proud to be Bomber Fans. You are a wonderful embassador!! Do you still make public speaking engagemen? I had the opportunity to hear you speak at a BBQ in Brandon in 1996, before you made it BIG in the CFL. It was great! Who would have known back then that you would really become a STAR in the league!!!You are one in a million! Will be cheering for you guys!!!

Brenda G.

Comment by brandonbomberfan — October 21, 2008 @ 7:28 pm

Thanks Brenda, I can feel your enthusiasm through your questions! I really appreciate you being such a great fan and giving me such great compliments. As for coaching, please see my comments above. I still do speaking engagements and enjoy the opportunity to speak to people about more than just football. I consider it a privilege to be able to meet with so many people who support the Bombers year after year.

CHOCOLATE MILT

you can always make me laugh out loud with some of the things you say that i read in the paper or see on tv (like your banjo skills). i always belive in you boys through the good and bad, it’s gotta mean something if you’re 6-10 and in the playoffs right?
my question is since you’ve been in winnipeg for allll these years (it wouldn’t be right if you were anywhere else), what are your top five favorite things about this grand ol’ city of ours..hope 5 things is even possible haha

Comment by larissa — October 21, 2008 @ 8:12 pm

These are no particular order. The Forks, The Mol Sculpture Garden in Assiniboine Park, The Friendly People & The Blue Bomber Fans, Milt Stegall Drive (smile) and the slow yellow lights.

Oh boo! Am I number 11?

My question is, if this is your last season with the Bombers (and I of course hope it isn’t), when will we see you again? It’s one thing for us to let your family have you over the offseason, but at least then we know you’ll be back!

Seriously, I would love to see you return as one of the offensive coaches. you ARE a Winnipegger and will always be welcome in “your” hometown. A big thank you to your beautiful and patient wife and children for graciously sharing you with us for all these years and a big thank you to you for being the gentleman and leader you are. GO BIG BLUE!!

Comment by Lals — October 21, 2008 @ 9:08 pm

Winnipeg will always have a special place in our hearts. I’ve made some great friends and truly care about the people of Winnipeg. I know we will stay connected to the city and even after retirement, we will continue to visit. Thank you for the kind words towards me and my family, it means a lot.

Hey Milt,

First I need to thank you for signing my #85 Jersey for me while I was away at University (Moe Elewonibi actually brought you the jersey to sign for me). Secondly, thanks for taking care of a fellow Windsor Lancer! I don’t play Lancer Football (yea, I’m a good ‘ol Canadian Curler), but I started out university watching Arjei and Darryl Stephenson rip up the field!

Anyways, I was wondering about some receiver patterns. It may be that I’m usually only looking at the receiver the play is going to, but I haven’t seen a lot of wheel routes where Kevin floats it up there on a nice high arc and drops it in the bread basket for one of you guys. It’s a lot of underneath/crossing patterns, and a few intermediates. Are we just looking for the higher percentage completion, or are the defenses just playing such soft/drop back zone?

Thanks

-Jeremy Toll…Go Blue & Gold (Bombers AND Lancers!)

Comment by WindsorLancer — October 22, 2008 @ 7:18 am

Go Lancers! Any friend of Arjei’s is a friend of mine. As for the question about patterns, as an offensive unit we try to take what the defense gives us. I know that there are times when the wheel route is called but I think it’s pretty safe to say that either the wheel route was covered or the quarterback read was to throw it to another route.

Considering the current economic situation in both North America as well as elsewhere, do you favour tax cuts for corporations and producers (the “trickle-down” approach), or rather middle-class tax relief that might stimulate the economy through retail action?

(Why just ask about football, people?)

Comment by gfinockio — October 22, 2008 @ 12:22 pm

I am actually in favor of tax-cuts for all the above. I’m in support of tax-cuts for the middle-class because it helps people provide for their families, educate their children, get adequate health care, etc. These people need the cuts. That said, I’m also in favor of tax-cuts for corporations that provide jobs to those middle-class folks I was just talking about. I’m not in favor of tax-cuts that are more like loopholes. Where extremely wealthy individuals and corporations avoid paying their fair share of taxes due to tax loopholes created for the rich by the rich. Go Obama!

Will you be doing any speaking engagements in the near future?

Comment by dum — October 22, 2008 @ 8:42 pm

I’ve actually been doing a lot of speaking engagements this season but none are on the horizon as the season winds down.

I have a question for you Milt. What do you think of a league where you can be 6 - 10 and be in second place with that kind of record. Is the league in good shape or is it the playoff structure.

My son’s hockey team 12 year olds, doesnt matter the record as every team makes the playoffs, would you not say the CFL is almost at that point?

Just asking - you asked to be asked

Take care

Comment by jjjayjjjay — October 23, 2008 @ 1:56 pm

I didn’t create the rules, I just play by them. The format is for the best six teams to make the playoffs and since we are one of those teams, I am not complaining about the format. Just answering - you asked to be answered.

Hi Milt, First of all I’d like to say Thank You for sticking with the Blue Bombers for your entire CFL career. It’s been a bumpy ride as we all know and we really hope you get that Grey Cup Ring that you so rightfully deserve. We feel blessed to have the BEST reciever in CFL history on our team. The fans love you and you’ve done so much for the club and the city. My question for you is plain and simple and probably totally irrelivent but I’ll ask it anyway just to see your answer. I was wondering why you always wear long sleeves while you’re playing? In the fall it’s self explanitory but I noticed that you always play with long sleeves whethter it’s summer or you’re playing indoors. (You did say to ask questions that you were afraid to ask). Can’t wait to see you get that ring in November! Hope to get my Stegall jersey signed before you go back to the states….GO BLUE!

Comment by Defence21 — October 23, 2008 @ 3:29 pm

Thanks for the kind words, I feel blessed to have played for the same organization my entire CFL career and to play in a city with great fans like you. As for the long sleeves, it’s obvious why I would want to wear them in the Fall but as you noticed I also wear them in the warmer months. I originally liked to do it because I wanted to keep my muscles warm to stay loose. Now I think it may be a bit of an idiosyncrasy, because I feel so strange without sleeves on now when I play.

Thanks for all the questions.
God Bless.
Milt.

Hey, I know it’s been a while since I’ve opened up my blog to answer questions, but there is no better time than the present.

So please send me your questions, you know those things you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask (smile).

I will do my best to at least answer the first 10 questions received, so fire away!

God Bless.
Milt

By Chase & Collin Stegall
Chase: Dad, we know you guys have had a tough season but even with the way that the things have gone, you still have a chance to host a home playoff game. Now, Collin and I have been very patient up until now but it’s time for us to speak our minds.
Collin: Yeah Dad! What my brother said!
Chase: I spend a lot of time in the locker room and I’ve gotten to know most of the players. I know that they are all hard-working and definitely play to win. Some of the guys that I’ve talked to the most about the season are Gavin Walls, Barrin Simpson, Arjei Franklin, Kevin Glenn, Terrence Edwards, Doug Brown, Big Country aka Derek Armstrong and Kelly Malveaux, just to name a few. From our conversation I’ve learned the importance of all of the guys playing well together for an entire game, in every facet of the game.
Collin: Dad, I would have to agree but before I elaborate, could someone please come and change my diaper? OK, thanks! I haven’t been around as long as Chase but when he comes home he explains a lot about football to me. If my understanding is correct, all you guys have to do is find a way to score one more point than the opposing team. Now, I’m not even one yet myself, but one doesn’t seem to be that big of a number.
Chase: That’s right Collin. The key there is for offense, defense and special teams to work together to get those points up on the scoreboard. We’ve definitely seen how talented all of the areas of the team are this year. For instance, remember that game when KG threw for more than 400 yards? Remember that game when our defense held a team to less than 10 points? Remember when Armstead returned a punt for a touchdown?
Collin: Yes, those were great wins. How much fun was that, Chase? I wish I was there to see all those games but Mom thought it was either too cold, or that I was just too small to go to the home games. Unfortunately, I tend to fall asleep when we watch away games on TV. Chase, you get to have all the fun!
Chase: That’s because I’m the oldest. I’m just starting to learn math but it seems that 1+1+1=1. Right? One Well Executed Offense + One Hard Fought Defense + One Consistent Special Teams = ONE WIN. It’s simple math.
Collin: One last thing Dad, Chase and I have both decided that when we grow up we will play hockey, the REAL sport
Go Blue!
Milt: Thanks kids.
God Bless.

Everyone knows that there is no “I” in TEAM, but what does that really mean?

On a daily basis we are charged to be good team members in a lot of different ways that many may not even think about. Sometimes being a good teammate means helping other players learn their position.

One of the ultimate ways this manifests itself is when an injured guy goes in and helps the guy that is taking his place on the field learn the position better.

You know that you are helping the guy that could potentially take your position but instead of focusing on that you focus on winning and being a great team player.

Now let’s talk about the guys on the practice roster who get little credit for making our team better.

These guys work as hard as everyone else on the team in hopes of getting on the regular roster and making the team better. They don’t know when this will happen for them but they continue to work hard, help other guys and cheer the team on.

Now let’s talk about something a little more controversial. Being a teammate sometimes means you are willing to break a few rules to protect your teammates. For instance, let’s just say your quarterback receives a completely unnecessary helmet-to -helmet hit after the ball has already been released for several seconds.

(You might recognize this penalty from a game not so long ago -smile).

A teammate’s response might be to retaliate and to defend your quarterback. You know you will be penalized but you also know that you cannot allow anyone to hurt one of your teammates, let alone the leader of the team.

I’m not saying this is always the right course of action. I am saying however, that a good teammate can easily find himself in that situation, and I can completely understand why.

On the flip side, one of the ultimate forms of being a team player comes when the quarterback sacrifices himself to allow a receiver or running back to make a play.

The quarterback clearly shows that he is willing to take some hits for the success of our team.

So, being a great teammate means making others better, committing to the team even when you are not playing, defending your teammates, and just basically seeing the team as bigger than yourself.

God Bless.
Milt

For those of you who work in corporate settings, you might be surprised at some of things you would see in the office at my job (also known as the locker room).

First of all, I’m not sure if it’s because of too much testosterone or really big egos but there is always a challenge going on.

I’m constantly challenged by guys who believe that they can take my titles - Best Dancer and Most Push ups.

In the 14 years that I’ve been in Winnipeg no one has been able to beat me in a dance off or a pushup contest.

I think this year I would have to give honourable mention to my son Chase, who has been rightfully nicknamed “Happy Feet” by Lyle Bauer.

Speaking of competitions, you can sometimes find friendly wrestling matches going on, usually different positions going against each other.

Barrin Simpson likes to challenge the entire receiving corps all at once. I’ve even seen Goodspeed taken on by the quarterbacks.

Not sure if this happens on your job, but on my job you can get a haircut by a co-worker.

The best barber awards would have to go to Kevin Glenn and Arjei Franklin who will give you any type of cut you want.

Do you play music on your job through a surround-sound system? Well, on any given day you will hear music on my job from different co-workers’ play lists.

My play list usually consists of R&B music from the 1970s and 1980s. Some of my music is older than many of the players so I like to think I am giving them lessons on musical history.

My office is not short on practical jokes, and if you find yourself at the centre of one, you might find your equipment frozen in a block of ice.

On my job there is a Chaplin and I have the opportunity to worship with many of the guys during weekly Bible study.

I guess you could say that my office is flexible with bringing your kids to the office during after work hours. You will find many of my co-workers with their kids in the office during physical treatment, extra workouts or film watching.

The office I’m in has some great co-workers who aren’t afraid to have a little fun or indulge in profound conversations.

So if you have dance offs, push-up competitions, wrestling matches, resident barbers, surround-sound music, iced work uniforms, Bible verses, kids, great conversation and great friends - your office space might be just like mine.

God Bless.
Milt

I bet you the Bomber team from 1950 surely would have been proud of our performance on Friday.

In a game that was a tribute to the old, I hope that we honoured the Bombers of the past in great fashion.

First, let me say, donning the replica uniform made me feel especially grateful to wear the same uniforms as the men who paved the way for us to play this great game.

The only thing that was missing were the leather helmets, although a few of the guys on the team believe that I actually played in one back in high school.

It seems that in honouring the past we also got our much-needed mojo back and looked like our old selves again.

Our performance on Friday night showed what we are capable of doing when we are clicking on all cylinders and playing to our potential in every facet of the game.

In the game I was blessed to break the record for the most receiving yards and I am humbled knowing that I broke the record of Allen Pitts, the legend and greatest receiver to play the game.

I will never forget that moment, needing one yard but running for 92 (some even joked that they thought I was too old to run that far).

I will also never forget the Winnipeg fans who were in the stands (some even wearing my jersey) and I know the fans back at home were celebrating with me as well.

I will never forget how the entire team helped me celebrate my special moment.

I will never forget the respect that Toronto showed to me at that moment, a standing ovation from their fans and congratulatory comments from the players.

I will never forget the fun that I had on the sideline as I soaked in every minute of that game and that victory. It may have seemed outright silly to some but for me it was just one more great memory that I will have of old Blue.

God Bless.
The Turtle

OK, so I probably have your attention now.

The truth is that I, in no way, hate the Bombers.

I do however, like most of you, hate the way our season has progressed.

It seems that everything that can go wrong has gone wrong for us so far… Not withstanding that phenomenon that was our loss in the Banjo Bowl.

How is it that we can go into the fourth quarter with a significant lead and somehow give up what could have been a monumental win for us?

The fact is that we have found every way possible, and even invented new ways, to lose.

It is now time to find ways to make the impossible possible and create opportunities to win.

Sometimes it feels like some of the media actually enjoys seeing us lose, it sure seems to make it easy to write stories bashing the Bombers. Many in the media are saying we can’t turn the season around but the reality of it is we actually can.

I know I generally sound overly optimistic in most of my blogs but I feel this way because of the tremendous talent that I know exists in this team. Our team is in large part the same team that has found ways to win in the past. It’s the same team that won games in a similar manner to the way that we were defeated this week.

Don’t get me wrong, I think it will be a long-fought battle, one that every player has to believe in and one that obviously won’t come without adversity.

But if we don’t believe then who will?

So while I do hate the Bombers’ record, I still believe in the team.

God Bless,
Milt Stegall

General George Patton once said, “You’re never beaten until you admit it.”

It would not be hard to understand if some think that we have already been beaten this season.

However, I think that as long as we continue to believe in our own capabilities, in the man next to you on the field and in our team as a whole, we have not been beaten.

I hate to keep saying the same thing, and God knows I hope I don’t have to say it again, but it’s not over until it’s over.

We have to keep the past in the past and focus on the next game that’s ahead of us.

And that next game comes after a difficult defeat but it is another opportunity for us to start turning this season around, at home, in front of a sell-out crowd of great fans who continue to support us.

It’s also a chance to hopefully begin to win back those fans that have started to lose confidence or those that have completely abandoned ship.

Our focus has to be on just that, turning things around and giving our fans and ourselves something to celebrate.

After this victory please meet me on Portage and Main for all the prune juice you can drink and all the Wheat Thins you can eat.

On another note, I’d like to say it’s been a pleasure and an honour to play with Charlie “Blink” Roberts, one of the best CFL running backs of all time.

I wish him nothing but the best as he continues on with his career.

And Charlie, remember - you will always be the little brother that I never wanted.

One love.

God Bless,
Milt