Bombers running back Brady Oliveira becomes 4th player to win CFL’s top player, top Canadian awards

Brady Oliveira, a Winnipeg native and running back for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, achieved a remarkable milestone on Thursday night at the Canadian Football League’s awards ceremony in Vancouver. Oliveira was honored as the most outstanding player and most outstanding Canadian of the season, making him just the fourth player in CFL history to win both prestigious awards in the same year.

In his acceptance speech, Oliveira humbly acknowledged the support of his team, emphasizing that the accolades were a testament to the collective effort of the entire organization. He joins the esteemed company of Hall-of-Fame players Jon Cornish, Tony Gabriel, and Russ Jackson as the only individuals to achieve this rare feat in the history of the league.

Oliveira’s outstanding performance throughout the season, which included leading the league in rushing yards and receiving yards, as well as scoring four touchdowns, earned him the top honors. He garnered 31 out of 56 votes, surpassing Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell for the most outstanding player award. This marked the ninth time a Winnipeg player has received this accolade, with Oliveira following in the footsteps of Cornish as the last running back to claim the title over a decade ago.

The 27-year-old athlete also made history by becoming the first player since Cornish to win back-to-back most outstanding Canadian awards. His exceptional contributions on the field and his unwavering pride in representing his hometown of Winnipeg and the province of Manitoba were evident in his emotional acceptance speech.

Fellow Winnipegger and Bombers receiver, Nic Demski, expressed immense pride in Oliveira’s achievements, emphasizing his teammate’s relentless work ethic and dedication to the sport. Head coach Mike O’Shea commended Oliveira for his versatility and leadership on the field, describing him as a complete player who embodies the essence of the game.

While Oliveira’s primary focus remains on helping the Bombers secure their third Grey Cup title in five seasons, his remarkable achievements as the league’s top player serve as a testament to his exceptional talent and commitment to excellence. As he continues to make a lasting impact on the field, Oliveira’s legacy as a standout player and role model for aspiring Canadian athletes is solidified.

In a bittersweet moment, injured linebacker Adam Bighill was also recognized during the awards ceremony with the Tom Pate Memorial Award. Despite being sidelined for the season due to an injury, Bighill’s outstanding sportsmanship and contributions to his team, community, and the players’ association were acknowledged and celebrated. His resilience and dedication to the sport serve as an inspiration to his teammates and fans alike, highlighting the true spirit of the game.