Former Stampeders offensive lineman Bruce Covernton passes away at age 57

Bruce Covernton (Linkedin)

According to CBC News on Tuesday, former Calgary Stampeders offensive lineman Bruce Covernton of Morris, Manitoba passed away at the age of 57. He played seven seasons in the Canadian Football League from 1992 to 1998.

Covernton won two Grey Cups with the Stampeders. The first came in 1992, Covernton’s rookie season, as the Stampeders defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 24-10 at the SkyDome in Toronto, Ontario.the second came in 1998, Covernton’s final season, as the Stampeders defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 26-24 from Winnipeg Stadium in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In these two Grey Cup titles, Covernton helped protect two of the best Stampeders quarterbacks in franchise history, in Doug Flutie and Jeff Garcia.

Covernton was the first overall pick in the 1992 Canadian College Draft by the Stampeders. He played his college football at Weber State University where he was a first team All-American.

In Covernton’s rookie season, Covernton also won the Jackie Parker Trophy. The award is presented to the most outstanding rookie in the West Division. Covernton was also nominated for the CFL Rookie of the Year, but lost out to Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Mike Richardson. A CFL All-Star in 1993, Covernton was also a CFL West All-Star in 1993 and 1994.

After his football career, Covernton remained in Calgary. He owned Champion Staffing Services.

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