Bruce Covernton, a longtime member of the Calgary Stampeders, has passed away at the age of 57.
“Quick-witted and big-hearted, Bruce was a larger-than-life personality,” said Stampeders president Jay McNeil, who played alongside Covernton on the team’s offensive line for five seasons. “He was a great teammate, a great friend and, more importantly, he had a giant heart for people in need. He will be missed by many. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
The native of Morris, Man. was selected with the first overall pick in the 1992 CFL Draft out of Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. He was named the Most Outstanding Rookie in the West Division that same year and was selected as a West Division all-star in 1993 and 1994.
The six-foot-five, 292-pound blocker played seven total seasons with the Stampeders, finishing his career in 1998. He won two Grey Cups as a member of the team.
Covernton owned and operated a staffing agency in Calgary following his retirement from the CFL and was an active volunteer, serving as a board member for the Calgary Urban Project Society, a youth athletics coach, and a spokesperson for the Canadian Mental Health Association. He was affectionately known by his teammates as “Tuna.”
