George Hopkins To Step Down As Equipment Manager After 55-Year Run

Calgary Stampeders equipment manager George “Geo” Hopkins has elected to step down as the team’s equipment manager at the end of this season.

Hopkins was hired by the Red and White as a ball boy when he was 13 years old in 1972 and has overseen the Red and White’s equipment operations since 1977. A key component on the Stamps’ sideline, he has only missed five games as equipment manager.

Including pre-season, regular-season, post-season and Grey Cup appearances, Hopkins will work his 1,094th game on Saturday when the Stampeders play the BC Lions at McMahon Stadium.

“I’d like to thank the Stampeders organization for their trust and support throughout all the years,” said Hopkins. “I’ve had the pleasure to work with so many great people, staff as well as players, and it wouldn’t be fair to single out any and miss lots. I would like to thank my wife Cathy and my kids Jorde and Hunter for understanding all the absences. This is just the end of a chapter.”

Hopkins’ role has focused on player safety with the ordering, fitting and issuing of various equipment from head to toe. His extensive list of various other responsibilities has included coordinating equipment transportation and handling all aspects of the locker room.

In addition to his duties with the Stamps, the Calgary native and Mount Royal College alumnus has given back to minor football in the city by coordinating an off-season equipment inspection program for amateur football in Alberta at the Peewee, Bantam and high-school levels. This extends to the Calgary Spring Football Association of which he is the board’s vice president.

“Geo has been an important part of the Calgary Stampeders family, and his contributions extend far beyond his role as equipment manager,” said Stampeders president Jay McNeil. “He has built lasting relationships throughout our club and earned the respect of everyone who has had the privilege of working with him. We thank George for his years of dedication and wish him all the best in this next chapter.”

In 1995, Hopkins was honoured at the Stampeders’ annual dinner with the Art Evans Memorial Award for his perseverance, contribution and dedication to the team. His name has been displayed on the Stampeders’ Wall of Fame as a builder since 2014 and in 2023, he took home the Canadian Football League’s Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership Award. Hopkins has won six Grey Cup championships with Calgary: 1992, 1998, 2001, 2008, 2014 and 2018.

Soon able to enjoy newfound family time and travel opportunities, Hopkins and the Stamps are currently working together to determine how he will be remaining a part of the organization beyond this year.

“We thank Geo for his many years of service, expertise and hard work as our equipment manager,” said Stampeders general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson. “I started my career in Calgary with Geo and Pat Clayton, two pillars of Stampeder football, who will always be linked but uniquely special. Geo executed a very important role, and we are pleased that he will be remaining with the team in another capacity.”