​On June 7, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta, Calgary Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. (No. 3) threw during warmups against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at McMahon Stadium. The images by Sergei Belski–Imagn capture Adams in action as he continues to climb his way toward steady success with the Stampeders. While his football journey hasn’t been without its twists, Adams appears to be hitting his stride this season.
Canada Day weekend is a major milestone for the CFL, and Calgary is at the heart of the celebrations. The Calgary Stampede, a huge rodeo festival, kicks off alongside the Stampede Bowl, featuring the Calgary Stampeders. It’s a province-wide celebration that brings plenty of entertainment, with the Stampede Bowl adding to the festival’s excitement.
Adams has enjoyed an extraordinary year for the Stampeders. A former Oregon Ducks quarterback, Adams has had an up-and-down CFL career. He began his professional journey in 2016 with the Montreal Alouettes and moved through four franchises before finally earning the role of starter in 2025 with Calgary. Throughout his career, he flashed moments of outstanding play but often faced the threat of being replaced after a single poor performance. That pattern reappeared with the BC Lions, who signed Nathan Rourke after his NFL stint in 2024. Rourke started eight games, then the team pivoted back to Adams for the season finale and the West Semi-Final.
That history has culminated in Adams becoming the unquestioned leader of the Stampeders. This season, he opened with a 1-2 record before the Stampede Bowl, but he threw five touchdown passes and zero interceptions in that stretch. His performance surged on Thursday night, during a 58-36 victory over the Toronto Argonauts, where he set a franchise record. Adams became the first Calgary quarterback to account for seven total touchdowns (six passing, one receiving) and tied a team mark with six TD passes in a game, joining legends such as Doug Flutie, Jeff Garcia, Pete Liske, and coach Dave Dickenson in Calgary’s record books. CFL stats indicate Adams is the fifth player in league history to score seven touchdowns in a game across six performances.
Beyond his numbers, Adams is a magnetic presence on the field, delivering plays that often feel improvised and spectacular. He has become a must-see player each week, consistently generating touchdowns in creative ways. With Adams at the helm, the Stampeders are 2-2 and showing real momentum as they ride his hot stretch. Fans hoping for fantasy value are not disappointed, as Adams continues to be a highlight reel every game.
This article originally appeared on A to Z Sports. For the full story and more on Vernon Adams Jr.’s historic performance, read the full piece.