The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have awarded Nic Demski and Tanner Cadwallader for their efforts in the community.
Demski received the Ed Kotowich ‘Good Guy Award,’ which recognizes a player who has “excellent football ability, is a leader in the locker room, and shows outstanding effort in the community.”
The 31-year-old participated in several community initiatives, including I Love to Read, High School Leadership Conference, Blue & Gold Showcase, an outreach trip to Thompson, Man., and Children’s Hospital Holiday.
The native of Winnipeg, Man. and product of the University of Manitoba caught 76 passes for 1,030 yards and six touchdowns in 2024, earning a fourth straight All-West Division selection. Demski has played for the Blue Bombers since 2018, winning two Grey Cups over five appearances.
Ed Kotowich, who played for the Blue Bombers from 1955 to 1961, spent the next 25 years as an active member of his community, serving as an alderman, sportscaster, and minor football coach. Kotowich died suddenly in 1986 and the award named in his honour has been presented since 1987.
Cadwallader received the Cal Murphy ‘Heart of a Legend Award,’ which is given to a player who shows “outstanding sportsmanship and dedication to the Canadian Football League and the community.”
The native of Georgetown, Ont. participated in I Love to Read, Blue & Gold Showcase, Children’s Hospital Holiday Visit, W Football Academy, Crunchers Night, and the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre.
Cadwallader was busy representing the club in the community through I Love to Read, the Blue & Gold Showcase, Children’s Hospital Holiday Visit, the W Football Academy and Crunchers Night as well as with the team’s involvement with the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre.
The 27-year-old made 16 special teams tackles for Winnipeg this past season, his fourth with the team. He now has 54 in his career since being selected in the seventh round of the 2020 CFL Draft following stints at Western University, Wilfrid Laurier University, and the CJFL’s London Beefeaters.
The award, which is named for longtime Blue Bombers head coach and general manager Cal Murphy, was first presented in 2001. Murphy passed away in 2012.
