2006 Rogers CFL Player Awards WINNERS!!
Winnipeg, MB (November 16, 2006) - The Canadian Football League (CFL) announced today the winners of the 2006 Rogers CFL Player Awards. This year’s award winners were selected by 47 voting members of the Football Reporters of Canada ( FRC) representing eight CFL markets and a national chapter. 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 (The John Agro Award).
Also announced at the 2006 Rogers CFL Player Awards show was the Commissioner’s Award, the Tom Pate Award and the Rogers’ Fan Choice Award.
CFL Outstanding Player - Geroy Simon - SB
BC Lions slotback Geroy Simon had an outstanding season, setting career-highs in receptions (105), yards (1,856) and touchdowns (15). The eight-year CFL veteran posted 11 100+ yard games in 2006, tying the single season record held by four other players.
This is Simon’s first Outstanding Player Award.
Simon received 44 first place ballots.
CFL Outstanding Canadian & Outstanding Defensive Player - Brent Johnson - DE
For the first time in CFL history, the same player has been honoured as the Outstanding Canadian and Outstanding Defensive Player in the same year. Brent Johnson led the Lions in sacks with 16 and added 22 tackles, three fumble recoveries and a pair of interceptions.
Johnson was honoured as the League’s top Canadian last season. This is Johnson’s first Defensive Player award.
Johnson received 28 first place ballots for Outstanding Defensive Player and 43 first place ballots for Outstanding Canadian Player.
CFL Outstanding Lineman - Rob Murphy - OL
In his first year in the CFL, Rob Murphy has been honoured as the Outstanding Offensive Lineman. The OhioState product manned the left tackle position for the Lions, starting 16 of the club’s 18 games and dramatically improving the BC offensive line from a year ago.
Murphy received 25 first place ballots.
CFL Outstanding Rookie - Aaron Hunt - DT
In his first CFL season, defensive tackle Aaron Hunt was part of a dominant defensive line with BC. In 16 games he amassed nine sacks and 14 defensive tackles including four for a loss and two knockdowns.
Hunt is the fourth consecutive non-import to be named top rookie.
Hunt received 41 first place ballots.
CFL Outstanding Special Teams Player (The John Agro Award) - Sandro DeAngelis - PK
In his second season in the CFL, kicker Sandro DeAngelis set a Calgary Stampeders team record connecting on 56 field goals. His 214 total points led the CFL. DeAngelis booted two game-winning field goals at the end of regulation (Week 3 vs. Hamilton, Week 9 vs. Montreal).
DeAngelis received 37 first place ballots.
Tom Pate Award - Mark Washington - DB
Mark Washington is the 2006 recipient of the Tom Pate 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 CLFPA 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 - Geroy Simon - SB
BC’s Geroy Simon is the 2006 Rogers Fans’ Choice Award winner. During the 2006 season, Simon 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 five 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 the The Winnipeg Blue Bomber Ghosts. Members of the Ghosts are former club presidents and board chairmen with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football Club. Accepting the award on their behalf was Gene Dunn.
