On Nov. 23, the Canadian Football League honoured some of the game's finest at the annual 2017 Shaw CFL Awards. Edmonton Eskimos quarterback Mike Reilly received the Most Outstanding Player nod, but outside of Reilly there was ten different awards to be presented.
Here are the winners from the 2017 Shaw CFL Awards...
Coach of the Year
The Toronto Argonauts weren't a playoff team in 2016. Toronto finished with a 5-13 record and left many doubting when they would return to the Grey Cup. Argonauts head coach Marc Trestman was brought in and allowed the team to recover quickly from the disappointing season as they prepare for the 105th Grey Cup.
Trestman, with immense success in the CFL as he came in first in the East on five seperate occasions, returned to the CFL with that same success under the brim of his cap.
Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman
Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Stanley Bryant was named Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman.
Being one of the individuals with tasked with the reponsability of blocking for quarterback Matt Nichols and running back Andrew Harris, Bryant started in each of the Blue Bombers 18 games this season.
Congratulations @MyHumble_Self on being named the 2017 Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman! 👏👏👏 #ForTheW pic.twitter.com/0V4jXSxkYl
— WPG Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) November 24, 2017
Most Outstanding Defensive Lineman
Calgary Stampeders linebacker Alex Singleton registered four sacks and an interception for the West Division champions in 2017.
In his sophomore season in the CFL, Singleton's statline meant career-high numbers for the 23-year-old. Shortly after being awarded with the honour, Singleton's social media page received a quick update.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/A9bxile0dC
— Alex Singleton (@alexsingleton49) November 24, 2017
Most Outstanding Special Teams Player
Known as one of the most dangerous special teams players in the CFL, it wasn't a real suprise that Calgary Stampeders' Roy Finch was named Most Outstanding Special Teams Player.
Finch totaled over 1,200 yards as the Stamps' punt returner and added 696 yards on kickoffs. In all, the former Oklahoma star totaled three touchdowns for the Stampeders special teams unit this season.
Stamps TV: Roy Finch talks to the media after winning the CFL's Most Outstanding Special Teams Player award! pic.twitter.com/dR6BjhnHqo
— Calgary Stampeders (@calstampeders) November 24, 2017
Most Outstanding Rookie
Toronto Argonauts running back James Wilder Jr. didn't make his precense known until Week 13 of the season, where he ran for a career-high 190 yards but he kept a firm grasp on the starting role and found a crucial role in the Argos' offence.
Wilder Jr. ended his rookie campaign with 872 rushing yards, 467 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
.@TorontoArgos RB James Wilder Jr. trucks his way into the end zone for his first touchdown and 227th total yard of the night. That's 33 fantasy points with time left on the clock 😳. #CFLGameDay pic.twitter.com/CabDXsP4Cn
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 5, 2017
Most Outstanding Canadian
Andrew Harris was in the running for Most Outstanding Player but while he lost out on that award, the Winnipeg native took home an honour that means more to those Canadian-bred CFL stars
Harris ran for 1035 yards on 189 carries. He also registered seven touchdowns.
Do you believe in miracles? @andrewharris33 scores the go ahead TD after an unbelievable @Wpg_BlueBombers drive #CFLGameDay pic.twitter.com/yTBI3RvfTX
— CFL on TSN (@CFLonTSN) July 28, 2017
Commissioner’s Award
Rick Sowieta was honoured with the Commissioner's Award which is presented to an individual who has demonstrated dedication and made a significant contribution to Canadian Football. Sowieta, a former Ottawa Rough Rider, was selected by Commisioner Randy Ambrosie to receive the award.
Sowieta passed away in August after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
“When a team needed a coach, and especially if a program was in trouble, Rick would always step up," the Ottawa Redblacks said in a release. "When he passed this summer Ottawa lost a favourite son, and the game lost a devoted friend. In remembering Rick, we hope to pay tribute to all those who work selflessly to build the game of Canadian football.”
Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award
Luc Brodeur-Jourdain walked away from the CFL Awards with one of the newest honours that is presented. The Jake Gaudaur Veterans' Award was created in 2010 and is given to those who best demonstrates the attributes of Canada's veterans in times of war and peace.
Brodeur-Jourdain was the last pick in the 2008 CFL Draft but ultimately found a starting job with the Alouettes. The Laval, Que. native played in each of the Alouettes 18 games this season and has a growing voice in the Montreal community.
Tom Pate Memorial Award
Adarius Bowman displayed the most sportsmanship according to the CFLPA. Bowman entered his tenth year in the CFL and won the award for the first time.
Bowman is the first Edmonton Eskimos player to earn the distinction since Rick Walters in 2001.
Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership Award
Paul Graham is TSN's Vice President and Executive Producer of Live Events and it's his first time winning the award.
Created to honour those who demonstrate great contributions to the CFL, Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership Award has been passed from players and media personel alike. TSN, who has the rights to broadcast each game, brought the CFL to the mass media market including a CFL partnership with ESPN to broadcast games to those in the United States.