FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2025
CFLPA Announces 2025 Tom Pate Award Nominees
Winner to be announced during the CFL Awards in Winnipeg
Mississauga, ON — The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) is proud to announce the nominees for the 2025 Tom Pate Memorial Award, recognizing outstanding sportsmanship, dedication to the league, and significant contributions to team, community, and the players’ association.
Each year, the Tom Pate Award is presented to a CFLPA member who personifies the qualities that made Tom Pate such a respected teammate and community leader. Pate, a former Hamilton Tiger-Cat, tragically passed away 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 nominees for the 2025 Tom Pate Memorial Award are:
- BC Lions - Andrew Peirson
- Calgary Stampeders - Dominique Rhymes
- Edmonton Elks - Nyles Morgan
- Hamilton Tiger-Cats - Kenny Lawler
- Montreal Alouettes - Geoffrey Cantin-Arku
- Ottawa RedBlacks - Tyron Vrede
- Saskatchewan Roughriders - Micah Johnson
- Toronto Argonauts - Anthony Lanier II
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers - Brady Oliveira
The winner will be announced on Thursday, November 13, 2025, during the CFL Awards ceremony in Winnipeg, Manitoba, as part of the 112th Grey Cup festivities.
“The Tom Pate Award represents what it means to be a CFL player both on and off the field,” said Solomon Elimimian, CFLPA President. “Each of these nominees has shown a deep commitment to leadership, integrity, and making a positive impact in our communities.”
The CFLPA extends congratulations to all nominees and thanks them for their contributions to their teams, communities, and the overall spirit of the CFL family.
