For Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira, success has never been defined solely by rushing yards, touchdowns, or awards, even though there have been plenty of those over his career. Instead, Oliveira measures his impact by something deeper. The lives he’s able to touch when he steps away from the field and into his community.

A two-time CFL leading rusher and one of the league’s most dominant offensive players, Oliveira has built a reputation as a relentless competitor on game day. But off the field, his commitment to service, compassion, and leadership has been just as powerful, and just as consistent.

At the heart of Oliveira’s community work is a passion for helping those who often don’t have a voice. For more than six years, he has been deeply involved in animal rescue efforts across Manitoba, particularly in Northern Manitoba First Nations communities, where access to animal welfare resources is limited. Working closely with organizations such as K9 Advocacy, Oliveira regularly participates in rescue missions that are physically demanding, emotionally challenging, and deeply meaningful.

On some trips, Oliveira has personally helped rescue and transport dozens of dogs, including one mission where he brought back 82 dogs in a single trip. These missions often last 15 hours or more and involve traveling to remote communities, delivering food, clean water, and supplies, and working directly with residents. For Oliveira, the work goes beyond rescue; it’s about building trust, offering support, and contributing to long-term solutions rooted in care and respect.

For Oliveira, the work goes beyond animal rescue. It’s about showing up, building trust, and contributing to long-term solutions in the communities he serves.

That same mindset carries into his work with children and families facing serious health challenges. Oliveira is actively involved with Dream Factory, an organization that supports families with children battling life-threatening illnesses. One of his most cherished initiatives is hosting Dream Factory Puppy Parties, which he organizes regularly throughout the year.

Each event brings together families for an evening of food, laughter, and most memorably, rescued puppies. The goal is simple but powerful: give families a break from hospital visits, stress, and uncertainty, and create moments of pure joy. Oliveira has even spent the last two birthdays hosting puppy parties at his home, choosing to celebrate by giving back.

Another cornerstone of Oliveira’s community impact is his work with Variety, the Children’s Charity of Manitoba. Through a performance-based fundraising initiative, Oliveira partnered with local sponsors to turn his on-field success into direct financial support for families with children who have special needs. For every yard he gained throughout the season, donations were made, and for every touchdown, $1,000 went directly to Variety families.

Over the past two seasons, that initiative has raised more than $40,000, providing meaningful support while reinforcing the connection between athletic performance and community impact. Oliveira also regularly volunteers at Variety events, including Bike Camp, where he helps children with special needs learn how to ride a bike for the first time.

Beyond organized initiatives, Oliveira remains hands-on year-round, volunteering at animal shelters, promoting adoptable dogs on social media, supporting fundraising campaigns, and showing up wherever help is needed. During a recent bye week, he and his girlfriend hosted a fundraising event that raised $16,000 in just five hours.

For Oliveira, giving back is not about recognition. It’s about responsibility.

“Being involved in my community keeps me grounded,” he says. “It reminds me that football gives me a platform and with that comes an opportunity to create positive change.”

That sense of purpose carries into the locker room as well. While Oliveira has not worn the captain’s “C,” he leads through example, through preparation, professionalism, and consistency. He mentors younger players, shares routines, breaks down film, and shows teammates that being a professional means excelling both on and off the field.

As 2025 Tom Pate Award finalists, Brady Oliveira embodies the values the award represents: sportsmanship, leadership, and service. Whether he’s breaking tackles on game day, rescuing dogs in remote communities, or creating moments of joy for families in need, Oliveira continues to prove that the true measure of a player’s legacy is found in the impact they leave behind.