Grey Cup victory is top priority for veteran Calgary receiver Dominique Rhymes

At this point in his CFL career, the Grey Cup trumps regular-season accomplishments for Dominique Rhymes.

Three times over eight seasons the veteran receiver has cracked the 1,000-yard plateau and been a league all-star. But still missing from his CFL resume is a Grey Cup victory.

Rhymes, 32, of Miami, continues his championship quest Saturday when the Calgary Stampeders visit the B.C. Lions in the West Division semifinal.

“I’m not concerned about stats,” Rhymes sad. “I’m worrying more about winning the big one because I don’t have one yet.

“That’s way more important than trying to lead the league (in receiving yards) or having the most catches. I want to get that big one at the end.”

The six-foot-four, 215-pound Rhymes was Calgary’s leading receiver this season — his first with the club — registering 50 receptions for 886 yards and six touchdowns. His 17.7-yard average per catch was a career high.

With veteran Reggie Begelton (knee) missing most of 2025, it’s been up to Rhymes and Co. to shoulder the load.

Canadian Jalen Philpot (team-high 61 catches, 830 yards, three TDs) and Erik Brooks (51 receptions, 824 yards, two TDs) both cracked the 800-yard plateau. Tevin Jones (47 catches, 618 yards, four touchdowns) and Canadians Clark Barnes (35 catches, 601 yards, two TDs) and rookie Damien Alford (20 receptions, 407 yards, five TDs) were also significant contributors.

“Oh man, it was tough (losing Begelton) because he’s been a leader here, especially in the receiver room, for so many years,” Rhymes said. “But there’s been so many other guys step up.

“It shows the depth of this room and strong chemistry we have that we’re still able to be successful, produce and have explosive plays in the passing game.”

Rhymes has 16 catches for 253 yards in seven CFL playoff games.

But there’s more to Calgary’s offence than a balanced passing attack. The Stampeders led the CFL in rushing (126.7 yards per game) and attempts (415) and were tied for second in average yards per carry (5.5), meaning their receivers must also be proficient blockers.

Running back Dedrick Mills led the CFL in carries (250) and rushing yards (1,409, 5.6-yard average, 11 TDs).

“We take pride in (blocking),” Rhymes said. “If you can block, you’re being more physical than your opponent and if you’re being more physical you can impose your will.

“Dedrick is a bruiser. Once he gets past the defensive line and linebackers, no defensive back wants to tackle him so if we do our job, he can do his.”

Calgary starter Vernon Adams Jr. plays his first playoff game against the team he spent two seasons with before B.C. dealt him to the Stampeders last November.

Rhymes played three seasons with B.C. (2021-23) and enjoyed his best pro campaign (CFL all-star with 85 catches, 1,401 yards, 11 TDs in 2022) with the franchise.

“(Redemption) is the furthest thing from our mind,” Rhymes said. “We’re in Calgary building something special.

“It’s playoff time, the most important thing in the playoffs is to not lose because if you do, you go home. Everyone is 0-0, there’s no record so you treat this like the first game of the season. You’re trying to get a win to get going, that’s our mindset.”

Calgary returns to the CFL playoffs after finishing fifth in the West Division last season with a 5-12-1 record. Before that, the Stampeders made 18 straight post-season appearances, last winning the Grey Cup in 2018.

“Dominique is a very humble, respectful individual,” said Kenny Kim of Summit Athletes, Rhymes’ Florida-based agent. “He’s a highly skilled professional athlete who’s great to work with.

“His experience and playmaking ability will definitely be big assets for Calgary in the playoffs.”

But the Stampeders must become road warriors to capture another CFL title. Calgary was 7-3 within the West Division and 5-4 away from McMahon Stadium although B.C. swept the season series 2-0.

“If anyone wants to accomplish something great, they want to go through the greatest challenges,” Rhymes said. “You tackle every obstacle, you overcome everything that’s in your way.

“We just have to know we’re going into very hostile territory (Saturday) where it’s us against everybody in the stadium. Just play together, play the best football you’ve ever played. Don’t worry about making mistakes, worry about playing your heart out … eliminate their big plays and make more big plays.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 31, 2025.