CFLPA unveils Tom Pate Memorial Award nominees for 2025

The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) has unveiled the nominees for the 2025 Tom Pate Memorial Award.

The honour is presented annually in recognition of “outstanding sportsmanship, dedication to the league, and significant contributions to team, community, and the players’ association.”

• B.C. Lions — Andrew Peirson
• Calgary Stampeders — Dominique Rhymes
• Edmonton Elks — Nyles Morgan
• Saskatchewan Roughriders — Micah Johnson
• Winnipeg Blue Bombers — Brady Oliveira
• Hamilton Tiger-Cats — Kenny Lawler
• Toronto Argonauts — Anthony Lanier II
• Ottawa RedBlacks — Tyron Vrede
• Montreal Alouettes — Geoffrey Cantin-Arku

“The Tom Pate Award represents what it means to be a CFL player both on and off the field,” said CFLPA president Solomon Elimimian in a statement. “Each of these nominees has shown a deep commitment to leadership, integrity, and making a positive impact in our communities.”

The award is named after Tom Pate, a Hamilton Tiger-Cats player who died in 1975 at the age of 23. In his memory, the award continues to celebrate players who demonstrate a lasting commitment to their peers and to the betterment of their communities.

The most recent winners of the honour include Adam Bighill, Brett Lauther, Emmanuel Arceneaux, Mike Daly, Rob Maver, Ryan King, and Adarius Bowman.

The winner will be announced on Thursday, November 13, 2025, during the CFL Awards ceremony in Winnipeg, Man. as part of the 112th Grey Cup Festival.