Stamps QB Mitchell vows not to be a distraction amidst demotion

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Earlier in the season, Calgary Stampeders quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell spoke with teammates who felt they weren’t getting enough playing time or a big enough role. His message to them: don’t let those feelings become a distraction for the greater team goal.

Now in early September, the franchise icon is heeding his own advice as the No. 2 quarterback behind sophomore Jake Maier. 

“I’ll never be selfish like that, become a distraction to our team,” he said on Thursday ahead of the Labour Day Classic versus the Edmonton Elks.

“I’m just going to continue to work. Obviously I have some stuff to work on, so [I’ll] continue to get better and make sure I’m ready to go.”

The 32-year-old Mitchell has not spoken with team president John Hufnagel since the demotion, and said any conversation that takes place would be kept private. 

"I'll deal with that when it comes,” Mitchell said of his future with the franchise he’s led for nearly a decade. “It's always interesting for me to think about, but I don't get to control, technically if you put me on the field or if I'm here or not."

Head coach Dave Dickenson made the switch to Maier partway through their Aug. 20 game in Toronto after Mitchell threw two interceptions in the opening half and inconsistent play in the previous weeks. The Stampeders rallied to win off two fourth quarter Rene Paredes field goals. Maier then started the following week’s game, a thrilling 31-29 loss in Winnipeg.

In his new role, Mitchell has more free time during practice given the fewer demands of the backup quarterback. This season, Mitchell has thrown for nine touchdowns (seventh among CFL pivots), six interceptions and 2,010 yards (seventh). His efficiency rating of 87.2 is 15th in the