Hamilton Tiger-Cats general manager Ted Goveia has passed away after being diagnosed with a serious form of cancer in April. He announced the diagnosis in June.
“Ted was a highly respected leader, colleague, and friend whose passion and commitment for Canadian football left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His dedication to the game and to the Tiger-Cats family will never be forgotten,” the Tiger-Cats wrote in a statement.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ted’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. The Tiger-Cats will honour and celebrate Ted’s impact on Canadian Football during tonight’s Team Ted game.”
The native of Burlington, Ont. was hired as Hamilton’s general manager in December after eleven years as an assistant general manager with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
“The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are deeply saddened by the passing of former assistant general manager and director of player personnel, Ted Goveia, after his brave battle with cancer,” wrote Winnipeg president and CEO Wade Miller.
“Ted’s passion for the game, his sharp eye for talent, and his unwavering dedication to building championship teams helped shape the success of our organization. We are forever grateful for the years we shared with Ted and for the legacy he leaves behind. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and everyone across the CFL who were fortunate enough to know him.”
Goveia previously worked as a coach and in player personnel with the Toronto Argonauts and extensively at the amateur level, including stints with the Mount Allison Mounties, Burlington Braves, McMaster Marauders, and UBC Thunderbirds. He won three Grey Cups, including two with the Blue Bombers and one with the Toronto Argonauts.
“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,” wrote CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston.
“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.
“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.”
Teams from across the CFL weighed in with their own statements, celebrating the life of their friend and competitor.
“The Toronto Argonauts are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hamilton General Manager Ted Goveia,” wrote the Ticats’ storied rival. “Ted coached and scouted with the Argos in the early 2010s, helping the team win the 2012 Grey Cup. His impact on Canadian football and the Canadian Football League was profound. The Argos organization sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ted Goveia. Forever on #TeamTed.”
“The Saskatchewan Roughriders are saddened to hear of the passing of Hamilton Tiger-Cats General Manager Ted Goveia after a brave battle with cancer,” shared his other Labour Day opponent of many years. “Ted loved Canadian football and was a long-time fixture across all levels of the sport with a deep commitment to growing the game. He was a three-time Grey Cup Champion, but beyond his football acumen, he was a kind and thoughtful person who connected with everyone he met. We wish to send our sincere condolences to Ted’s family, to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and to the many people who knew and loved him.”
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ted Goveia, GM of the Hamilton Ticats,” the Ottawa Redblacks shared on X. “Ted was instrumental in building Grey Cup championship teams with Toronto in 2012 and Winnipeg in 2019 and 2021. Sending our condolences to his family & friends, the Ticats, Bombers, and Argos.”
“Ted was a great football mind and an even better person. I always appreciated our interactions and the times we spent together,” wrote Montreal Alouettes’ general manager Danny Maciocia. “He was always one of the most outgoing people in any room he was in and he was a true leader. I always admired how committed he was to growing the game of football at the grassroots level in this country. He truly cared about the Canadian game and I loved that about him. I’d like to offer my condolences to Ted’s family, friends and the Ticats organization.”
“The Edmonton Elks extend our heartfelt condolences to the Goveia family and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Ted’s legacy, kindness, and impact on our league will be remembered. Our thoughts are with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, his family, and everyone touched by his life,” shared Edmonton, the team managed by Goveia’s predecessor Ed Hervey.
“The Calgary Stampeders offer heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of longtime CFL executive Ted Goveia. Our thoughts are with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Goveia family during this difficult time,” wrote the league’s other Alberta franchise.
The Canadian Football League Players’ Association also chimed in with a statement of their own.
“The CFL Players’ Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Ted Goveia. Ted was a
dedicated builder of Canadian football whose impact was felt by everyone fortunate
enough to work with him.
Throughout his career, Ted was always a pleasure to work and collaborate with. He cared deeply about the well-being of players, treating them with fairness and respect, and he never lost sight of the people behind the game. His presence and genuine approach earned the trust of those around him.
Ted’s passion for football was unmatched. He believed in the importance of growing the game across Canada and devoted his energy to ensuring that players, teams, and
communities could continue to thrive.
On behalf of our membership, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Ted’s family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Hamilton Tiger-Cats organization. His legacy will live on in the players he supported and in the game he worked so hard to continuously strengthen and improve.”
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Winnipeg Blue Bombers will play the ‘Team Ted’ game on Friday night, where his memory will be honoured at Hamilton Stadium.
