| (Vancouver, BC) - At each Grey Cup, the Canadian Football League Players’ Association has the honour of presenting the Tom Pate Award. It is an award presented not just for one’s ability to perform on the field, but rather it is an award given to a player who also displays qualities that distinguish them from their peers off the field as well. The CFLPA is proud to announce Adam Bighill from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as the 2024 Tom Pate Award recipient. Throughout his years in Winnipeg, Adam’s dedication goes far beyond the field, dedicating his time within the Winnipeg community. As the President of Making Faces, he inspires confidence and resilience in young people facing facial differences, guiding them to embrace their uniqueness with strength. He also shares his passion for football and youth development through Recruit Ready, where he coaches varsity and youth athletes, participates in fundraisers, and lends his expertise in board meetings. In addition, Adam contributes his time to Football Manitoba, coaching flag football, and supports the Manitoba Minor Football Association, helping to nurture the next generation of football talent. His commitment to giving back is a shining example of leadership, and we are thrilled to recognize him for his incredible impact. Tom Pate had a unique combination of outstanding sportsmanship, dedication and sense of community. He was educated at the University of Nebraska where he majored in business administration while playing for the Cornhuskers. He joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1975 and as a rookie played 14 regular season games. In October 1975, his life was abruptly ended, when in his fourteenth game against the Stampeders in Calgary, he suffered an aneurysm in the fourth quarter. Pate, only 23 at the time, never regained consciousness and passed away just two days later. Each year, the current CFLPA membership across the league select a teammate to be nominated for this award and represent their respective team. The recipient embodies the qualities that distinguished Tom Pate; qualities that recognize a Player with outstanding sportsmanship, a Player who has made a contribution to his team as well as to his community and to his Association. From the 9 Team nominees, one individual member is selected to receive the honour of being awarded the Tom Pate Award for that season. Previous Recipients of the Tom Pate Memorial Award : 2023 Brett Lauther Saskatchewan Roughriders 2022 Emmanuel Arceneaux Edmonton Elks 2021 Mike Daly Hamilton Tiger Cats 2019 Rob Maver Calgary Stampeders 2018 Ryan King Edmonton Eskimos 2017 Adarius Bowman Edmonton Eskimos 2016 Marco Iannuzzi B.C. Lions 2015 Henry Burris Ottawa RedBlacks 2014 Randy Chevrier Calgary Stampeders 2013 Kyries Hebert Montreal Alouettes 2012 Brian Bratton Montreal Alouettes 2011 Kevin Glenn Hamilton Tiger Cats 2010 Wes Lysack Calgary Stampeders 2009 Marwan Hage Hamilton Tiger Cats 2008 Jeremy O’Day Saskatchewan Roughriders 2007 Milt Stegall Winnipeg Blue Bombers 2006 Mark Washington B.C. Lions 2005 Danny McManus Hamilton Tiger Cats 2004 Barron Miles Montreal Alouettes 2003 Steve Hardin B.C. Lions 2002 Greg Frers Calgary Stampeders 2001 Rick Walters Edmonton Eskimos 2000 Mike Morreale Hamilton Tiger Cats 1999 Jamie Taras B.C. Lions 1998 Glen Scrivener Winnipeg Blue Bombers 1997 Mark McLoughlin Calgary Stampeders 1996 Michael “Pinball” Clemons Toronto Argonauts 1995 Mark McLoughlin Calgary Stampeders 1994 O.J. Brigance Baltimore Stallions 1993 Michael “Pinball” Clemons Toronto Argonauts 1992 Danny Barrett B.C. Lions 1991 Stu Laird Calgary Stampeders 1990 Ritchie Hall Saskatchewan Roughriders 1989 Matt Dunigan B.C. Lions 1988 Hector Pothier Edmonton Eskimos 1987 Nick Arakgi Montreal Alouettes 1986 Tyrone Crews B.C. Lions 1985 Jerry Friesen Saskatchewan Roughriders 1984 Bruce Walker Ottawa Rough Riders 1983 Henry Waszczuk Hamilton Tiger Cats 1982 David Boone Edmonton Eskimos 1981 Ken McEachern Saskatchewan Roughriders 1980 Jim Codde Ottawa Rough Riders 1979 Peter Muller Toronto Argonauts 1978 John Helton Calgary Stampeders 1977 Ron Lancaster Saskatchewan Roughriders 1976 George Reed Saskatchewan Roughriders |
About the CFLPA: The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Since 1965, the Association has worked to establish fair and reasonable working conditions while protecting the rights of all CFL players. In addition to negotiating and enforcing the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the CFLPA provides a variety of member services, builds corporate and community partnerships, and works diligently for the betterment of its membership. For the latest news regarding the CFLPA, please visit www.cflpa.com or follow us on social media @CFLPA.
CFLPA Media Contact:
Brendan Heisler, CFLPA Office | b.heisler@cflpa.com | 647-453-4848
