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