The Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) is proud to announce that BC Lions offensive lineman Andrew Peirson has been named the winner of the 2025 Tom Pate Award.

Presented annually, the Tom Pate Award is given to the CFL player who best demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship and makes significant contributions to his team, his community, and his association. Peirson’s long-standing commitment to leadership, mentorship, and community service embodies the true spirit of this award.

Over his seven seasons in the CFL, Peirson has built an exceptional record of service both within the game and beyond it. Since joining the league, he has used his platform to speak out on important social issues and create lasting impact across communities in British Columbia and his hometown of Kingston, Ontario.

Peirson has been a dedicated spokesperson for the End Violence Association of BC (EVA BC) since 2019, leading conversations in schools and communities about ending gender-based violence. He has delivered more than 250 school presentations through programs such as Be More Than a Bystander and Team Up to End Racism, empowering young people to take action against discrimination and promote inclusivity.

In addition to his advocacy work, Peirson founded the Heart & Stroke Golf Tournament in Kingston, inspired by his father’s recovery from a stroke in 2008. Now in its 12^th  year, the event has raised thousands of dollars and increased awareness about the signs of stroke and the importance of early intervention. He also continues to support HOPE International Development Agency as a fundraiser and recently joined the BC Lions Alumni Association Board of Directors in 2025.


Beyond his community work, Peirson is widely respected for his leadership in the locker room. As a team captain and CFLPA representative, he is known for mentoring younger players, helping them navigate the transition into professional football, and fostering a strong sense of unity within the Lions organization.

“Andrew exemplifies what this award stands for.  Selflessness, leadership, and a genuine commitment to improving the communities around him,” said David Mackie, CFLPA Executive Director, and long time teammate of Peirson’s. “He’s not only a leader for his teammates, but also a role model for youth and communities across Canada.”

Peirson was previously a finalist for the Tom Pate Award in 2024 and was nominated by his peers for the honour in 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2024. His continued commitment to service and leadership has now earned him this prestigious recognition for community involvement.

The CFLPA congratulates Andrew Peirson on being named the 2025 Tom Pate Award recipient and thanks him for his ongoing contributions to the community, the BC Lions, and the Players’ Association.

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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.
 
For all CFLPA Media Inquiries - Contact:
Brendan Heisler | b.heisler@cflpa.com | 647-453-4848