TORONTO — One player from each of the CFL’s nine teams has been nominated for the 2021 Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award, which annually recognizes a Canadian CFL player who demonstrates the attributes of Canada’s veterans: strength, perseverance, courage, comradeship and contribution to Canadian communities.
The award has been presented since 2010 and is named in honour of Jake Gaudaur – a distinguished Second World War veteran and the longest-serving Commissioner in CFL history – who embodied these attributes.
The recipient is chosen by a committee made up of Robert Loken and Paul Thomson from Veterans Affairs Canada, CFL ON TSN analyst and former Honorary Colonel of 417 Combat Support Squadron, Glen Suitor, and CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie. The award will be presented at the CFL Awards at the Hamilton Convention Centre on Friday, December 10 at 6 p.m. ET.
The 2021 edition of Grey Cup Week will feature a number of free fan events, including the CFL Awards, the Grey Cup Arrival delivered by Canada Drives and the Commissioner’s Fan State of the League address, as well as fan favourite celebrations, such as the Spirit of Edmonton events, the CFL Alumni Association Legends Luncheon, and much more. Additional details and registration information can be found at greycupfestival.ca.
The 108th Grey Cup from Tim Hortons Field, featuring Arkells in the Twisted Tea Grey Cup Halftime Show, will air live on Sunday, December 12 at 6 p.m. ET on TSN and RDS – Canada’s home of the CFL. A limited number of tickets are available at ticketmaster.ca/GreyCup.
PREVIOUS WINNERS OF THE JAKE GAUDAUR VETERANS’ AWARD
• 2019: Martin Bédard (MTL)
• 2018: Rolly Lumbala (BC)
• 2017: Luc Brodeur-Jourdain (MTL)
• 2016: Matt Black (TOR)
• 2015: Jeff Perrett (MTL)
Toronto Argonauts – Jamal Campbell
Jamal Campbell remains a strong, active and vocal member of the team despite enduring a season-ending injury. While persevering through a trying recovery, he continues to support the development of his younger teammates. Campbell serves as a mentor and leader to an inexperienced offensive line, imparting some of the knowledge and insights he has garnered over the course of his five years in the CFL. Campbell organized a campaign last winter to support Toronto’s homeless population. He raised $2,500 to fund meal and survival kits, before coordinating a group of friends and teammates to distribute the much-needed meals and supplies throughout the downtown core.