The Hamilton Tiger-Cats, along with the CFL, announced that General Manager Ted Goveia passed away on Friday after being diagnosed with cancer in April. He announced the diagnosis in June.
Ted Goveia was named the General Manager of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on December 5, 2024, after spending several years with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, winning two Grey Cup titles. This season, the Ticats are 7-5, sitting in first place in the Eastern Division. The CFL released a statement on the passing of Goveia.
“It is with the deepest sadness that we learn of the passing of Ted. He was a remarkable leader and a steady fixture in the CFL and in the broader Canadian football community, from the junior and university ranks to the professional level. He was most recently the General Manager of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but he was also one of the architects of Grey Cup championship teams with Toronto in 2012 and Winnipeg in 2019 and 2021.
In the CFL family, Ted was like the beloved son to so many, evidenced by how the entire league came together to join “Team Ted” during his courageous and inspiring battle with cancer. Ted loved the game so much, and on and off the field, we loved him back.
Ted never allowed his relentless drive for excellence to blind him to what mattered most – people. He made time for others, and he had a kind word for everyone he met. Whether he was crossing paths with a Hall of Famer or a passionate fan, he treated people in the right way: with good humour, kindness, and respect.
Born in nearby Burlington, Ont., Ted called his latest role with the Tiger-Cats, the team that he grew up loving, his “dream job” – something so few are able to attain. We will always remember Ted’s passion for the game each time a player he coached, drafted or recruited, makes a play. And we will always feel his impact every time a person touched by his kindness or inspired by his strength, treats a fellow human being the right way.”
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers also released a statement on their X account:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Assistant GM/Director of Player Personnel, Ted Goveia. His passion, talent, and dedication helped shape our championship success. Our thoughts are with his loved ones and the CFL community as we remember his lasting legacy.”
Other teams also paid tribute to Goveia, including the Montreal Alouettes, Calgary Stampeders, Ottawa Redblacks, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and the Toronto Argonauts.
BGMSportsTrax offers condolences to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, CFL, and Ted Goveia’s family and friends.
