Toronto, ON (November 22, 2007) – The Canadian Football League (CFL) announced today the winners of the 2007 Rogers CFL Player Awards at Roy Thomson Hall. This year’s award winners were selected by 49 voting members, including representation from the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) from eight CFL markets, a national chapter and the CFL head coaches.

Voters were asked to select players from the League who through on-field performance excellence, best represent the awards’ title: Outstanding Player, Outstanding Canadian, Outstanding Defensive Player, Outstanding Offensive Lineman, Outstanding Rookie, and Outstanding Special Teams Player.

Also announced at the 2007 Rogers CFL Player Awards show was the Commissioner’s Award, the Tom Pate Memorial Award and the Rogers’ Fan Choice Award.

CFL Outstanding Player – Kerry Joseph – QB – Saskatchewan Roughriders

Kerry Joseph is the first Saskatchewan Roughrider to win the League’s top player award since the 1976 season when Ron Lancaster was the CFL’s Outstanding Player. Joseph finished the season completing 267-of-459 attempts for 4,002 yards, 24 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a passer efficiency rating of 97.1. The five-year CFL veteran rushed for 13 touchdowns, the second most by a quarterback in a single season in CFL history.

This is Joseph’s first Outstanding Player award.

Joseph received 32 first place votes.

CFL Outstanding Canadian – Jason Clermont – SB – BC Lions

BC Lions slotback Jason Clermont is the CFL’s Outstanding Canadian for the second time in his short career (2004). Clermont finished the season third amongst all receivers in 2007 with 1,158 receiving yards on 86 receptions. The six-year veteran scored seven touchdowns, including a 93-yarder. 

This is Clermont’s second top Canadian award. He also won the CFL’s Outstanding Rookie award in 2002.

Clermont received 37 first place votes.

CFL Outstanding Defensive Player & Outstanding Rookie – Cam Wake – DE – BC Lions

BC Lions defensive end Cam Wake is just the second player in CFL history to win two outstanding player awards in his first season. Wake finished the campaign with a League-leading 16 sacks. He also added a team-high 69 tackles, three forced fumbles and one blocked field goal.

The only other player to have won two outstanding player awards in his rookie season was Winnipeg’s Albert Johnson III (Rookie and Special Teams) in 2000.

Wake received 28 first place votes for top defensive player and 38 for his rookie honour.

CFL Outstanding Lineman – Rob Murphy – OL – BC Lions

For the second-straight season Rob Murphy of the BC Lions has been voted as the CFL’s top offensive lineman. Murphy anchored a line that allowed the second lowest amount of sacks and helped running back Joe Smith rush for 1,510 yards and 18 touchdowns – both club records.

Murphy received 35 first place votes.

CFL Outstanding Special Teams Player – Ian Smart – RB – BC Lions

Kick return specialist Ian Smart provided the Lions with great field position all season long, leading the CFL in combined yards with 2,440. Smart also led the League in punt returns with 912 yards (92 returns, 9.9 average, 1 TD) and kickoff returns with 1,228 (53 returns, 23.2 average).

Smart received 28 first place votes.

Tom Pate Memorial Award – Milt Stegall – SB – Milt Stegall

Winnipeg Blue Bomber Milt Stegall is the 2007 recipient of the Tom Pate Memorial Award. The Tom Pate Award is handed out each year to a CFL player who displays qualities that distinguish them from their peers.

Every year the CFLPA invites each CFL Club to nominate a team member for this award.  The recipient must be a player with outstanding sportsmanship and someone who has made a significant contribution to his team and to his community and Association.  

Rogers Fans’ Choice Award – Charles Roberts – RB – Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Winnipeg running back Charles Roberts is the 2007 Rogers Fans’ Choice Award winner. During the 2007 season, Roberts received the most votes from fans that logged on to CFL.ca or text messaged their votes during CFL on TSN broadcasts. He was voted player of the game six times this season.

Commissioner’s Award

This award is presented annually to a person or group who make a special contribution to the Canadian Football League. This year’s recipient of the Commissioner’s Award is Toronto Argonauts President and CEO Keith Pelley