Hatter Connor McGough resigning with the Calgary Stampeders after being diagnosed with myocarditis (Twitter/Calgary Stampeders)

By Teagan Rasche

Resiliency after medicine challenges

McGough re-signs with Stampeders

Feb 28, 2022 | 1:47 PM

CALGARY, AB – Medicine Hat CFL player and Crescent Heights grad Connor McGough has been busy working on his career after football.

But last week, the defensive lineman re-signed with the Calgary Stampeders. After a pandemic and health challenges, his resiliency is guiding him back onto the field.

“I’m very excited about it. It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to push my body and be able to become better as an athlete,” McGough said. “I’m excited to be able to go through those growing pains. I miss being sore, I miss being tired and fatigued from working out hard.”

McGough had chest pains in August 2020 and after some tests, he was diagnosed with myocarditis, inflammation of the heart.

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It took a year and a half to resolve, much longer than anticipated.

He went from professional athlete to not even being allowed to work out. So McGough shifted his focus as he was put on the Stampeders retirement list.

He graduated from the University of Calgary and got his real estate license. McGough has been working as a realtor and plans to continue in the CFL off-season.

It’s been a mentally tough journey but now he calls it a blessing.

“That’s one thing I want to use my story for and this experience is to help encourage athletes that regardless of what’s going on, how successful you are in your sport, always take the time to network and get ahead in life outside of your sport,” McGough said.

McGough spent three seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats before his original signing with the Stamps on February 11, 2020.