Stampeders receiver Erik Brooks is making the most of his opportunities in 2025.
The second-year receiver has found himself thrust into the Red and White’s starting lineup following the injury to Reggie Begelton and has been making an impact ever since.
Primarily a returner for his first two seasons in Calgary, it’s a welcome change to be able to take snaps on offence for the 26-year-old.
“It feels good,” said Brooks. “It was a little weird at first to not do returns anymore, but I understand it.”
“They need a fresh body back there so we can get some explosive plays. (Kaylon) Horton has done a great job, I have the utmost trust and respect for him that he’s going to go out there and carry the torch.
“Receiver is the position I love to play so it’s been fun to get out there, run some routes and catch the ball.”
It hasn’t been easy for the Stamps ball catchers this season. There have been multiple injuries so far, but Brooks says the depth has really shown through eight weeks.
“We have known since camp that we are deep,” he explained. “We’re really deep in the room, everyone can go, we have trust in everyone that lines up on that field. There is really no drop-off, everyone has confidence and trust. The quarterbacks trust everyone out there, they put it in a spot, and we just have to go out there and make the play.”
VA’s 100th career passing touchdown!! pic.twitter.com/ITgeW5Focf
— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) July 12, 2025
The former Fresno state star has garnered some praise from the Stamps coaches since getting into an everyday receiver spot which he appreciates.
“It feels great to know that everyone is paying attention and seeing the work you put in, I’m glad it’s paying off on the field,” said Brooks. “For me I like to learn multiple positions on the offence. When (injuries) happen, they can trust me to go out there and play multiple spots and keep making plays.”
Brooks’ first year in the CFL was cut short by an injury but now, in year two, he says he really feels like he has integrated himself into the Canadian game.
“I’m getting a lot more comfortable with the schemes,” he said. “Really, I’m getting a lot more comfortable with seeing the defence. That was a big adjustment for me, trying to see the shell with the extra defender, coming from the States. But once I got comfortable with reading that, the game slowed down for me, so it made it easier to play a lot of spots.”
Just how they drew it up ✍️ pic.twitter.com/IL8lZOthjM
— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) July 25, 2025
The 5-foot-7 speedster may not be the biggest player on the field, but he takes pride in picking up extra yards after the catch.
“Ever since my last two years in college my receiver coaches preached that there is always an extra two yards to get,” said Brooks. “I just try to do my best to fight and find those extra two yards anywhere I can. That’s just really helped me be more explosive when I get the ball in my hands.”
The Stamps look to avenge a 20-12 loss they suffered to the Redblacks back in Week 3, when they head to Ottawa for a Thursday clash at 5:30 p.m. MT.
Brooks says as long as everyone does their part, they should be in a position to get back in the win column.
“Everyone doing their one-twelfth,” he explained. “No one has to do too much. Everyone plays their game and everything else will take care of itself.”