When the planning committee for The Salvation Army’s Winnipeg Hope in the City event realized it was going to fall smack in the middle of the Grey Cup celebrations in 2025, one potential host stood out among the rest.

CFL All Star, TSN analyst and former Winnipeg Blue Bomber wide receiver Milt Stegall has a strong connection to the city where, many years since he hung up his cleats, he is still treated like a superstar. Milt is also a man of faith, who believes strongly in giving back the love to the communities who have given him so much.

GIVING BACK

“When I was playing, I did some things with The Salvation Army, some volunteering,” he says, “so there was always an interest there. When someone reached out about an event that was going on during the Grey Cup, it was perfect timing for me to get involved again with a great organization that does so many things for so many throughout Winnipeg.”

Milt says that besides marrying his wife and having children, signing a contract in Winnipeg in 1995 was the best decision he ever made. He never gets tired of folks wanting to chat, to take a picture or to get an autograph. And while he admits that may boost his athlete’s ego, he understands there’s more to it. He’s grateful for thelove he receives whenever he has the opportunity to return.

“The attitude of the people there—it goes beyond football,” he says. “It’s all about the community, about the friendships, about the way I’m treated, the way my family’s treated. I enjoy every single time I get an opportunity to go back. The love I get, I try to give it back because I’m treated so well.”

LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE

Reflecting on his favourite memories of his time in Winnipeg, Milt says that one of his most meaningful experiences in the city he played and lived in for 14 seasons occurred off the field.

“I was speaking in this small community in rural Manitoba and, after I spoke, a young man came up to me. He was 19 or 20 years old.

“ ‘The words you said just saved my life,’ he told me. He was on the verge of suicide. He didn’t know where his life was going. He didn’t have any direction.

“And that right there made me realize what I was doing was worth it. God had put me in Winnipeg for a reason. Yes, I had a good football career, but when I hear those things, they validate why I was put in Winnipeg.”

While it’s common and expected for professional athletes to perform some form of community service, Milt says that experiences such as that story are more rewarding than the glory he received on the field.

“That moment not only changed that young man’s life, but it also changed my life.”

TRUE MOMENTS

Whether working with other Christian athletes, speaking in churches or visiting disenfranchised areas of Winnipeg, Milt has been happy to use his platform and position to spread a message of kindness and compassion.

“I speak to those individuals and just try to get out and let folks know that there are people who care for you, there are people who are concerned about you, such as The Salvation Army,” he says.

“On the football field, you score a touchdown, make a big play or help win the game, and that’s good for a day or two. But if you’re touching a life, that life may go on to touch other lives, and so on and so on. That’s a legacy that’s going to last forever. So, I was fortunate that I had an opportunity to do that, and I still continue doing that when I’m in Winnipeg. It’s a great feeling, and I enjoy every single time I get an opportunity to do it.

“I’m all about giving, about helping others,” he goes on to say. “There’s a saying that goes, it’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice. You know, anyone can take, but can you give? Can you help out others and sometimes help out others without anyone else knowing? Those are the true moments. And I know The Salvation Army does a lot of that.”

“If you’re touching a life, that life may go on to touch other lives, and so on and so on. That’s a legacy that’s going to last forever.” MILT STEGALL

ONE HUNDRED PERCENT

When Milt’s oldest son passed away unexpectedly in June 2025, the Bombers organization and fans honoured his memory and showed their support for the family. Milt was in town and experienced an ovation from the stands and overwhelming love from people all across the province and beyond.

“The reception and the love and support that Manitoba gave to me, that was the best moment I experienced in Canada, and nothing else comes close,” he says. “When they stood up and that crowd cheered, it was almost like having an out-of-body experience. It was one of the most special moments in my life.”

While he admits his faith was shaken by the loss, he remains steadfast, inspired by the memory of his parents, Garland and Betty. When his father passed away, his mother relied on her faith to get the family through adversity. He remembers her talking about God’s plan and the importance of keeping faith.

“People always ask me: who are your heroes? Who are your role models?” Milt says. “My parents. My faith comes from my parents. They were strong believers, strong individuals of faith, and they instilled that in me and my siblings, and that’s where my faith comes from.

“As long as you have faith, you can get through anything. I won’t lie to you. When my son passed away, my faith was truly questioned. But I’m still a person of strong faith. I understand this is part of God’s plan. As people, we don’t always understand His plan, and we may not always agree with it, but we have to understand, if we’re people of faith, regardless of what’s going on, we have to keep that faith.

“And I’m 100 percent keeping my faith.”

Kristin Marand is the manager of communications for The Salvation Army’s Prairies and Northern Territories Division. With a background in media and a passion for weaving language and sharing stories, Kristin is a proud Métis on her own journey of reclamation.

Photos: Courtesy of Milt Stegall

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