Calgary Stampeders Nominate Top Players for 2025 CFL Awards

The Calgary Stampeders have announced their nominees for the 2025 Canadian Football League (CFL) Awards, showcasing a roster of players who have delivered outstanding performances this season. Leading the nominations is running back Dedrick Mills, who has achieved remarkable success with 1,340 yards in rushing, placing him at the top of the league. Mills also shares the league lead with 11 touchdowns and is the Stampeders’ nominee for the prestigious CFL’s Most Outstanding Player award.

Mills expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m just thankful for my teammates, thankful for the coaches and the staff, everyone that voted for me – and I’m just happy to be here.” His impressive season has not only highlighted his skills but has also been pivotal for the Stampeders as they approach the end of the regular season.

Key Player Contributions

Another standout performer this season is Jalen Philpot, a fourth-year slotback who is experiencing a career-best year. Philpot has recorded 61 receptions for 831 yards and scored three touchdowns. He has been nominated for the Most Outstanding Canadian award. Reflecting on his performance, Philpot noted, “I’m starting to get very comfortable in the offence and very comfortable with Vernon Adams. I’m starting to play like I feel I should’ve been playing early on in my career.”

Defensive lineman Clarence Hicks has also made a significant impact on the field. In just his second year, he has tied for second in the league with 11 quarterback sacks and has received a nomination for the Most Outstanding Defensive Lineman award. Hicks described his nomination as “surprising” but meaningful, stating, “I said all year, we had at least six people on defence that could be Defensive Player of the Year for this team, so me getting it means a lot.”

Rookie offensive lineman Chris Fortin has stepped up in a critical role, taking over as starting centre in week 2 after Bryce Bell suffered a season-ending injury. Fortin is also nominated for the Most Outstanding Rookie award. He expressed his appreciation for the recognition, saying, “It just shows the work I’m doing all year and my preparation for the season, and the work I’m doing with the whole Stampeder offensive line and Zach Williams, it’s just been great. But the job is not done.”

In addition to these nominations, Williams is recognized as the Stampeders’ nominee for the Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, while rookie punter Mark Vassett is nominated for Most Outstanding Special Teams Player.

As the Stampeders prepare to close out their regular season, they will face the Edmonton Elks on Friday night. With a lineup of talented nominees, the Stampeders are positioning themselves for a strong finish and potential playoff success in the CFL.