Hatter Connor McGough is seen inking a deal with the Calgary Stampeders. (Photo From Twitter/Calgary Stampeders)

By Chris Brown

Myocarditis forces Connor McGough into CFL retirement

May 31, 2022 | 4:15 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat’s Connor McGough is hanging up his cleats, his CFL career over after attempting to return from a heart condition that was discovered almost two years ago.

The Calgary Stampeders placed the Crescent Heights High School graduate on the retired list at age 26 due to myocarditis, inflammation of the heart.

“It’s very unfortunate but it’s important I take care of myself and get healthy, McGough says in a statement. “I’d like to thank the Stampeders organization for staying by my side during everything and being so supportive. I wish all the players and staff a great season.”

The defensive lineman originally signed with the Stamps in 2020 after three seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Upon his myocarditis diagnosis, the Stamps put McGough on the retired list. He re-signed with the team this past February after his condition resolved.

McGough never took a regular snap with the teams because of the cancellation of the 2020 season due to the pandemic and taking last year off to deal with his health condition.

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During his time away from the game, McGough graduated from the University of Calgary and earned his realtor’s license.

Selected fourth overall by the Tiger-Cats in the 2017 draft, McGough played 51 games for Hamilton over three seasons before joining the Stamps. McGough had 33 career special-teams tackles, and 14 defensive stops including one tackle for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles and one knockdown.