Key Points:

• Chad Kelly’s Stellar Season: Led the Argonauts to a record 16-2.
• Record-Breaking Performance: Achieved 4,123 passing yards and 23 touchdowns.
• Historic Win: Eighth Toronto player to win, first since 2012.

Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly has been named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player for the 2023 season, a testament to his exceptional performance on the field. Hosting the evening ceremony, Kate Beirness from CFL ON TSN and Canadian comedian K. Trevor Wilson, along with a special appearance by Grammy winner Shaggy, set the stage for this prestigious announcement.

The selection process involved 61 voters, including the Football Reporters of Canada and CFL head coaches. This year’s CFL Awards, resonating with the theme “This is How Legends are Made”, were a highlight of the Grey Cup Festival, spanning from November 13-19, featuring over 40 events in Hamilton.

In his first season as a regular starter, Kelly not only guided the Argonauts to a franchise-best 16-2 record but also tied the all-time victory mark set by Edmonton in 1989. His impressive stats include passing for 4,123 yards and 23 touchdowns, with an additional eight on the ground. Notably, he led the league with 10.5 yards per pass attempt and was among the four quarterbacks to surpass 4,000 passing yards this season. His .938 winning percentage as a starting quarterback is a new league record.

Kelly, who received 39 first-place votes, is the eighth player from Toronto to win this award and the first since Chad Owens in 2012. He also becomes the fourth Argonaut quarterback to claim this prestigious title, marking a significant moment in both his career and the history of the Toronto Argonauts.