Chris Streveler Confirms Devastating ACL Re-Tear, Future with Winnipeg Blue Bombers Uncertain
Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Chris Streveler has confirmed that he has once again suffered a devastating setback — a re-torn ACL in his left knee that will require surgery if he wishes to continue his professional football career.
Speaking at Princess Auto Stadium on Sunday, the 30-year-old expressed heartbreak and frustration over the timing of the injury, which came after a season in which he hadn’t missed a single practice or game.
“It’s pretty heartbreaking,” Streveler said. “The crazy thing is, you make it through the whole season — never miss a practice, never miss a game — and five plays in, things happen. What I’m thankful for is the support I have around me with my family, my fiancée, and my daughter. Going through this without them would be really difficult. I’m also thankful for this locker room of guys because they’ve kept me up and given me a reason to keep coming in and contribute however I can.”
Streveler, who is set to hit free agency this offseason, faces an uncertain future in Winnipeg. His 2025 campaign was marked by inconsistency, throwing 11 interceptions to just six touchdown passes, and with Zach Collaros, Terry Wilson, and Chase Artopoeus all under contract for 2026, the Blue Bombers may look elsewhere at quarterback.
Meanwhile, Taylor Elgersma, the team’s 2025 second-round draft pick from Wilfrid Laurier University, remains unsigned but is expected to join the Bombers unless an NFL opportunity arises.
Off the field, Streveler co-founded a quarterback coaching company in Arizona, which has kept him busy during the offseason. Though he insists his business won’t influence his playing decision, he admitted he’s grateful to have a backup plan if his football career ends.
“When I was out of the game after getting hurt with the Jets in 2023, I realized I needed something else that I was passionate about,” he explained. “That way, when the day comes where football ends, it’s not as scary.”
This marks the second major knee injury for Streveler in as many seasons. He previously tore his ACL, MCL, and partially his PCL during last year’s Banjo Bowl, but remarkably completed rehab ahead of schedule and was ready for training camp, even starting Winnipeg’s regular-season opener against the B.C. Lions while Zach Collaros served a suspension.
Fortunately, this time around, his MCL and PCL remain intact, though he will also need meniscus surgery. Despite the setback, Streveler remains optimistic yet realistic about his future.
Over his 66-game CFL career, the Illinois native has thrown for 4,144 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 31 interceptions, while rushing for 1,740 yards and 41 touchdowns, including nine this season. He played a crucial role in helping Winnipeg capture the 2019 Grey Cup, cementing his legacy as one of the league’s most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks.
Still, his future — whether in Winnipeg or elsewhere — remains up in the air.
“I’m a very open-minded person,” Streveler said. “I’m never going to rule anything out or put myself in a box. I’m just going to focus on my rehab, stay positive, and let life take me where it’s supposed to.”
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