Ticats GM says he has been diagnosed with 'a serious form of cancer'

Hamilton Tiger-Cats general manager Ted Goveia says he has been diagnosed with "a serious form of cancer that's spread."

In a story posted on the club's website Friday, Goveia, 55, said the diagnosis was made in April. Although there was no specific mention as to the form of the disease, two league sources said Goveia is battling esophageal cancer.

"I wanted to keep my health condition in house until we had a chance to build our team and pick our final roster," he said. "I am grateful that we were able to focus on fielding the best team possible for 2025 and not have my health become a distraction.

"I let the players know that I'm not going to be here (at team facilities) every minute of the day, and I'm going to be in treatment and need to focus on my health. I'm still the general manager, but I'll not always be in the building. But in today's day and age, everything's downloaded to my laptop and there's always the phone."

Goveia, of Burlington, Ont., was named Hamilton's GM on Dec. 5, 2024, following 11 years with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The appointment was a homecoming for Goveia, who played high school football at Assumption Secondary School and later coached there as well as other local organizations.

Goveia's early days as Ticats' GM were long and busy as he put together a staff while looking to improve a roster that last year missed the CFL playoffs. All the while getting to know the people in his new workplace.

But in March, Goveia told The Canadian Press he never had to look far to gain a sense of perspective or appreciation that he'd landed his dream job.

"The other morning I went into the office at 6:30 a.m.," Goveia said. "Got up, grabbed my coffee and drove over the (Burlington Skyway) bridge and I'm looking out and the sun was coming up.

"I just sat there smiling as I drove thinking, `Man, I'm 17 minutes from home.' I do love southern Ontario and appreciate the opportunity to work back at home, for sure."

Hamilton (7-11) missed the 2024 CFL playoffs and last won the Grey Cup in 1999.

"Our CFL family and the entire CFL community sends its best wishes to Ted Goveia after learning of his cancer diagnosis," CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston said in a statement. "Fans from coast to coast to coast send their strength to you and your family.

"Your journey through the game has been an incredible inspiration to us all, and we're here now to support you every step of the way throughout this courageous fight."

Goveia began his tenure in Winnipeg as the club's assistant GM/player-personnel director before being promoted to senior assistant GM in 2019 following the franchise's 33-12 Grey Cup win over Hamilton.

Goveia said being away from the team while undergoing treatment will only serve to motivate him in his fight.