Brady Oliveira of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers was honoured as both the Most Outstanding Player and the Most Outstanding Canadian at the CFL Awards held in Vancouver on Thursday, November 14, 2024. The recognition was presented by THE CANADIAN PRESS and captured by photographer Ethan Cairns.
Brady Oliveira, running back for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, was the standout star at the recent CFL awards ceremony. Held at the Vancouver Convention Centre, the 27-year-old claimed the prestigious George Reed Most Outstanding Player award and was named the league’s top Canadian for the second consecutive year. This honour came after Oliveira’s exceptional season where he led the CFL in rushing, accumulating 1,353 yards. He also topped the league in total yards from scrimmage for the second straight year, racking up 1,829 yards.
Oliveira’s dedication to football started when he was just a kid, dreaming of moments like this. “It’s incredible to win these two big awards,” he said, “but my ultimate goal is to win a Grey Cup.” The Bombers are set to face the Toronto Argonauts in the championship game at B.C. Place Stadium. This will be Winnipeg’s fifth consecutive Grey Cup appearance, with hopes of securing their third title.
The night celebrated more than just Oliveira’s triumphs. Saskatchewan’s Rolan Milligan Jr. took home the top defensive player title after an impressive season marked by leading the league in interceptions and defensive takeaways. Edmonton’s Nick Anderson was recognized as the best rookie, while Toronto’s Ryan Hunter was honoured as the top lineman. Janarion Grant, also from Toronto, won the award for best special-teams player, showcasing his talent with league-leading punt return stats. Montreal’s head coach Jason Maas was named Coach of the Year, following his team’s 12-win season and top spot in the East Division.
The CFL awards are decided by the Football Reporters of Canada along with the league’s head coaches, with a total of 56 votes cast this year. Other notable recipients included Winnipeg linebacker Adam Bighill, who earned the Tom Pate Memorial Award for his community contributions, and Saskatchewan’s Jorgen Hus, who received the Jake Gaudaur Veterans' Award for embodying the values of Canadian veterans.
Oliveira’s teammate and coach, Mike O'Shea, acknowledged the running back’s achievement but emphasized that Oliveira remains focused on team success. “Winning these awards is special, but Brady’s commitment is always to the team,” O’Shea said. True to his nature, Oliveira turned his attention to the upcoming Grey Cup match shortly after the awards ceremony.
Other notable mentions include B.C. Lions owner Amar Doman, who received the Commissioner’s Award, and Carolyn Cody, vice-president of business operations at B.C., who was recognized with the Jane Mawby Tribute award.
The awards night also highlighted Toronto’s strong showing. Hunter, an offensive lineman, noted how proud he was to keep the award in Toronto, following Dejon Allen’s win last year. Similarly, Janarion Grant spoke about his motivation, which stayed strong despite joining the Argos after not being re-signed by Winnipeg.
The finalists and recipients of the night demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication, making this year’s CFL awards one to remember.
