First-year player to be recognized at CFL Awards as part of the 2021 Grey Cup Week in Hamilton

Thursday, November 4, 2021 — TORONTO (November 4, 2021) – The Canadian Football League (CFL) has released the names of the 167 players eligible for the 2021 Most Outstanding Rookie award. The recipient will be recognized at the CFL Awards on December 10 – one of the marquee events during Grey Cup Week in Hamilton.

The Most Outstanding Rookie award is selected by voting members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) and CFL head coaches. In order to be eligible, players:

• Must have been named to the active 44-man roster of a member club of the CFL for a regular season game during the 2021 season; AND
• Must not have dressed for a member club of the CFL for a regular season, postseason or championship game in any prior season; AND
• Must not have dressed for a member club of the National Football League for a regular season, postseason or championship game in the current season or any season prior.

Previous winners of the Most Outstanding Rookie award include:

• 2019: Nate Holley (CGY)
• 2018: Lewis Ward (OTT)
• 2017: James Wilder Jr. (TOR)
• 2016: DaVaris Daniels (CGY)
• 2015: Derel Walker (EDM)
• 2014: Dexter McCoil (EDM)
• 2013: Brett Jones (CGY)
• 2012: Chris Matthews (WPG)
• 2011: Chris Williams (HAM)
• 2010: Solomon Elimimian (BC)

The following players are eligible to be named the 2021 Most Outstanding Rookie: