Vernon Adams Jr. was soaking up the sun in Jamaica, preparing for his debut season as the Calgary Stampeders’ quarterback. It wasn’t all leisure and relaxation; he was mentally gearing up for the challenges on the field. With Calgary set to host the 2026 Grey Cup, expectations were high, and Adams Jr. knew he had a significant role to play in shaping the team’s future.

Adams Jr., a seasoned player with nine CFL seasons under his belt, understood the weight of responsibility that came with his new position. The aftermath of the Stampeders missing out on the playoffs for the first time in two decades still lingered among fans. However, he embraced this pressure as an opportunity to make a mark in Stampeder history.

“All those guys you mentioned won for this organization – big games, championships…”

The legacy of star quarterbacks like Doug Flutie, Jeff Garcia, Dave Dickenson, and Bo Levi Mitchell loomed large over Adams Jr. as he stepped into his new role. He recognized that success in Calgary meant more than personal accolades; it was about contributing to a tradition of excellence established by his predecessors.

As he delved into training sessions and film analysis, Adams Jr.’s focus extended beyond individual performance to fostering strong bonds with his teammates. Building camaraderie off the field was just as crucial as mastering plays on it. Connecting with fellow players like Tevin Jones, Dominique Rhymes, Reggie Begelton, and Jalen Philpot allowed him to understand their strengths and personalities better.

“We go out…get to know each other — our backgrounds, families.”

Beyond football strategies and playbook discussions lay genuine connections forged through shared stories and experiences outside of sports. Adams Jr.’s efforts to bond with his teammates underscored his commitment not just to winning games but also creating a cohesive unit poised for success.

The journey ahead for Adams Jr. wasn’t merely about victories on game day; it was about embodying leadership qualities that inspired trust and unity within the team. Through phone calls, texts, and face-to-face interactions during offseason meetups, he laid down the groundwork for a culture of mutual support and determination among players striving towards a common goal.

In navigating the high expectations awaiting him in Calgary’s football scene, Vernon Adams Jr.’s approach combined skillful gameplay with empathetic leadership—a dual strategy aimed at securing victories while fostering a tight-knit community within the Stampeders roster.