Calgary Stampeders quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell has missed competing in the CFL.
The last game Mitchell played in was the Western Semi-Final on Sunday, November 10, 2019. Winnipeg upset the Stamps at McMahon Stadium 35-14 as the Blue Bombers went on to win the 107th Grey Cup.
Mitchell wasn’t even close to 100 percent that day, dealing with upper body ailments to his shoulder and pectoral muscle. The 31-year-old has used the extended time away from playing in games to ensure his body is fully healthy and prepared for action.
“18 months without football, it’s been allow everything to heal, allow everything to rehab, strengthen everything. It’s just a different aspect to have somebody else there doing that same workout and competing with each other, Mitchell said on The Waggle podcast.
“I can push myself as hard as I want in a workout, but the one thing the pandemic has showed me is missing out on working out in the weight room with the guys, on the field pushing each other.”
The winningest QB in CFL history looks forward to being back on the field. Mitchell has a career win-loss record of 77-18-2 — his career win percentage is .804 which is the best ever in Canada. The numbers show Mitchell is more likely to win than complete a pass, his career completion percentage is 64.7. Over 80 percent of the time the Katy, Texas native steps on the field, he wins.
“I’m just ready to compete, get on the field and beat someone’s a** when it comes to playing,” Mitchell said. “I am tired of sitting in this house, working out, and not being able to put that to use by being on the field and actually competing.”
The CFL has set a firm date for making the call whether to proceed with the targeted August 5 regular season kick-off. Direction will be given by the league to the players no later than June 14. Dialogue continues with provincial and federal health authorities, who have the last word on approving a 2021 season.
“I’m ready to get back, I know everybody out there is,” Mitchell said. “I know heads are going to be flying.”
