Derek Wiggan is a Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) Player Representative for the Calgary Stampeders. Wiggan, a native of Toronto, Ontario, played his university Football with the Queens University Gaels of the OUA, before eventually joining the Calgary Stampeders in 2015. Derek is now in his 8th season with the Lions, having racked up 18 sacks over the course of his career.
As he entered his second season as a Player Representative for the CFLPA, we sat down with Derek and asked him the following questions:
- Why did you want to become a CFLPA Player rep?
I wanted to become a CFLPA Player Rep to be a voice for my locker room and to have the opportunity to help out my teammates.
- This is your 8th season playing in Calgary. How do you like living in Calgary and how does it compare to living in Toronto?
These 8 seasons in Calgary have flown by. I love living in Calgary. It has definitely become home for me. The main things I miss about Toronto is my parents and friends.
- What is your favorite memory from playing football at Queens?
My favourite memory from playing for Queen’s would be winning the semi-final playoff game vs Guelph in 2013. We had lost to them in the 2012 semi-finals in a heartbreaker. That entire week of practice and everything coming together on gameday was special.
- What are some of your favorite things to do away from football and in the offseason?
I play a lot of videogames during my off time. I like to read and watch movies as well. I really enjoy trying out new restaurants.
- What is your favorite part of the CFLPA AGM meetings?
My favourite part of the CFLPA AGM last year was meeting Upper Deck. You could really tell the passion for sports that they have in their company. I also really enjoyed getting to know about the business side of sports cards.
- What is your ideal bye week during the season.
My ideal bye week would be eating a lot of food and playing a lot of video games.
- What did it mean to you to win the Grey Cup?
Winning the Grey Cup meant that dreams do come true. I had lost two grey cups in a row so to finally win one was incredible. All that hard work paid off.
- What advice would you have for any players who want to pursue a career in pro football?
My advice for young players would be… if you really want to pursue this profession, you have to develop positive habits and have discipline following those habits.
- Who has inspired/helped you the most in your Football career?
My teammates. When you have a great group of guys that want the best for you and push you, it can help grow your game. I could write a whole chapter on the teammates who I learned from that inspired me and helped me get to where I am today.
