Gowling Partner Greg Peterson Inducted into Canadian Football Hall of Fame Media Wing

• Greg Peterson will be inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame's media wing in November.
• Peterson balances a successful legal career with his work as a sideline reporter and radio colour commentator for the Calgary Stampeders.
• He credits his father's advice to 'suck it up and keep going' for helping him continue balancing his two careers.
• Peterson has been co-leading Gowling WLG's governance, activism, and investigations group since joining the firm.

Greg Peterson's unique blend of football and law careers has been marked by periods of intense focus, but also moments of self-doubt. In 1985, he injured his leg on a run, forcing him to re-evaluate his priorities. With only a month into law school at California Western School of Law in San Diego, Peterson considered quitting, feeling isolated and away from his family in Calgary. However, his father's advice to 'suck it up and keep going' proved pivotal, as he continued to balance his two careers for decades to come.

Peterson's path to becoming a successful lawyer was not traditional. He delayed starting law school by a semester to accommodate his schedule with the Calgary Stampeders, and continued playing football through his studies. This meant doubling the years he would spend getting his law degree. Despite this unconventional approach, Peterson thrived in both careers, eventually building a strong legal practice at Gowling WLG and co-leading the firm's governance, activism, and investigations group.

Peterson's contributions to Canadian football extend beyond his playing days. He has been a sideline reporter and radio colour commentator for the Stampeders since retiring from playing in 1993. In November, he will be granted another distinction: induction into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame's media wing. This honour recognizes individuals who have helped the public better understand the sport through their coverage. Peterson credits his colleagues, including Mark Stephen, and the support of his wife for helping him achieve this milestone.

Lawyers with non-traditional career paths, like Greg Peterson's combination of football and law, may face unique challenges in balancing their professional obligations. This story highlights the importance of support systems, such as understanding employers and family members, for lawyers navigating multiple careers.

Source: Original reporting via Canadian Lawyer