Bombers’ Bighill making big impact off the field
WINNIPEG (CP) — Adam Bighill is happy and satisfied every time he hauls down a quarterback or knocks the ball out of an opponent’s hands.
But those feats don’t top the list of accomplishments for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers middle linebacker, who was voted the CFL team’s most outstanding player and top defensive player.
Helping shy children with facial differences look people in the eye, smile and speak confidently is what makes him as proud as any of his football achievements.
“In a sense, sometimes it’s even more because you’re really affecting these kids’ lives,” said Bighill, who was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate.
When he was signed by Winnipeg in May after being released by the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, Bighill’s character was praised along with his talent and tenacity.
Bighill delivered on the field, collecting 105 tackles with four sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions.
Off the field, he tried to make an impact in his new city.
During Winnipeg’s first bye week, Bighill took part in a local workshop put on by Making Faces, a Toronto-based non-profit organization that supports children with facial differences. He’s been on the board since 2015, when he played in Vancouver for the B.C. Lions.
About 20 kids brought together by a similar national charity called AboutFace listened to Bighill and Making Faces founder Michael Williams-Stark talk about their personal experiences. The pair then led the kids through some improvisation, comedy and games.
“We kind of get kids to open up and be able to build on different skills that a lot of kids with facial differences need work on — with eye contact, projecting your voice, being confident and communicating,” Bighill said.
Bighill, 30, grew up in Montesano, Wash., and had five surgeries before he was 12.
“I was bullied as a kid,” he said.