The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are making room in their trophy case following the Canadian Football League awards ceremony in Hamilton.
Right tackle Chris Van Zeyl received the Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award, which recognizes a Canadian player who embodies the attributes of Canadian veterans and those for whom he is named: strength, perseverance, courage, camaraderie and contribution to Canadian communities.
“This is one of the most difficult years of my professional career,” Van Zeyl said, pointing to a thumb injury that cost him five games this season.
The 38-year-old was named an All-Star of the Eastern Division in 2021.
“After a difficult year and the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, Chris has been a shining example of the quality of character that we are so fortunate to have in our league,” said CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie.
“He is not only a dedicated teammate and leader, but also an incredible pillar of strength in the community, supporting Hamiltonians and providing a voice to those who have not been blessed with the opportunities we have.”
From Hamilton Mike daly He received the Tom Pate Award from the CFL Players Association for his outstanding sportsmanship and as someone who has made contributions to his team and his community, as well as to his association.
Daly participated in the McMaster Athletes Care program and is a spokesperson for the TELUS #EndBullying All-Stars and Be More Than a Bystander programs.
Ticats linebacker Simoni Lawrence and offensive lineman Brandon Revenberg were the East Division nominees for Most Outstanding Defensive Player and Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, respectively.
But they both lost to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers players.
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Winnipeg left tackle Stanley Bryant beat Revenberg for the award for best offensive lineman after anchoring the Blue Bombers line that allowed 16 sacks, a league-low during the 2021 season.
Winnipeg’s offense ranked first in rushing touchdowns (14) and second in rushing yards per game (119.7) this season.
Bombers linebacker Adam Bighill edged out Hamilton’s Simoni Lawrence for the league’s best defensive player.
Bighill led his team with 70 tackles and made two sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a touchdown.
Lawrence had 73 tackles and four sacks while recording three interceptions, returning two for touchdowns.
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Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros won the Most Outstanding Player award for the first time in his career, beating Montreal Alouettes running back William Stanback.
The 33-year-old Collaros led the league with 20 touchdown passes and ranked second in passing yards with 3,185, and his passing efficiency index of 111 is second all-time among Winnipeg’s starting quarterbacks. .
Collaros is the first Blue Bombers player to win the coveted Most Outstanding Player Award since Hall of Fame receiver Milt Stegall in 2002.
BC linebacker Bo Lokombo was named Most Outstanding Canadian, Ottawa’s comeback DeVonte Dedmon won special teams player of the year, Lions linebacker Jordan Williams was named rookie of the year and Mike O’Shea was named coach of the year .
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