2021 CFL Awards: Collaros takes MOP, Bighill earns historic defensive honor

The Canadian Football League handed out its annual awards on Friday ahead of this weekend's 108th Grey Cup game.

Although the award show took place in Hamilton, the event was tinted blue, as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers dominated the proceedings by taking home four awards.

Here's a look at the night's big winners.

Most Outstanding Player: Zach Collaros, Blue Bombers

Zach Collaros is finally on top of the CFL.

The Blue Bombers quarterback was named Most Outstanding Player for the 2021 season. Collaros won with ease, earning 43 of 50 first-place votes.

Collaros was a force for the 11-win Bombers, throwing for 3,185 yards and a CFL-best 20 touchdown passes against six interceptions. He completed 70.1% of his passes during the regular season.

This award marks a culmination of Collaros' stunning comeback in Winnipeg. After suffering an injury in the 2019 season opener while with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the 33-year-old found his way to the Blue Bombers and took over under center late that year, leading them to their first Grey Cup win in 29 years. This year marked his first full campaign in four seasons and his first 3,000-yard season since 2015.

Collaros is the ninth Blue Bomber to win MOP, and first since Milt Stegall in 2002.

Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Adam Bighill, Blue Bombers

Bighill received 42 first-place votes to beat out East nominee Simoni Lawrence for this award. The 33-year-old is just the fifth player to win Outstanding Defensive Player at least three times, joining Joe Montford, Willie Pless, James Parker, and Danny Kepley. He was a rock on the league's best defense, recording a team-high 70 defensive tackles along with two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and an interception.

Most Outstanding Canadian: Bo Lokombo, Lions

Lokombo, who grew up in Abbotsford, British Columbia, was a force on both defense and special teams for the Lions. The linebacker appeared in all 14 games and registered 66 defensive tackles, 11 special teams tackles, and four sacks, along with three interceptions and a pick-6. Lokombo, the first Lion to win Outstanding Canadian in 12 years, was a unanimous winner over Montreal's David Menard.

Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman: Stanley Bryant, Blue Bombers

Bryant, now in his 11th season, beat out East nominee Brandon Revenberg to win this award for a CFL-record third time. The 35-year-old has anchored a Blue Bombers offensive line that cleared space for a dominant rushing attack and surrendered a league-low 16 sacks. Bryant received all 50 first-place votes.

Most Outstanding Special Teams Player: DeVonte Dedmon, Redblacks

Despite missing three games due to injury, Dedmon led the league in virtually every category for returning specialists. The William & Mary product tallied 2,063 return yards and was the only player with more than one return touchdown (three). Dedmon won in a runaway over Calgary kicker Rene Paredes, receiving 46 first-place votes.

Most Outstanding Rookie: Jordan Williams, Lions

Williams, the first overall pick in 2020, set a new Canadian rookie record with 92 defensive tackles; his 97 total tackles ranked second in the league. He's the first Lion to win this award since Solomon Elimimian in 2010. Williams beat East nominee Peter Nicastro with 46 of 50 first-place votes. This was only the second time in CFL history both Outstanding Rookie nominees were Canadian.

Annis Stukus Trophy (Coach of the Year): Mike O'Shea, Blue Bombers

O'Shea effortlessly guided the Blue Bombers through the difficult pandemic-shortened season en route to the best record in the CFL and a second straight Grey Cup appearance. Winnipeg's .786 winning percentage was the franchise's best in 50 years. The North Bay, Ontario, native is the first Canadian to win Coach of the Year since Wally Buono in 2011.

Tom Pate Memorial Award: Mike Daly, Tiger-Cats

Daly, a Ticats defensive back who also played his college football in Hamilton at McMaster, was given this award by the CFL Players Association for his sportsmanship and community work. He's a spokesperson for anti-bullying programs in Hamilton.

Jake Gadauar Veterans' Trophy: Chris Van Zeyl, Tiger-Cats

The 38-year-old product of Fonthill, Ontario, overcame several injuries to play seven games in his 14th CFL season. A respected teammate and player on and off the field, Van Zeyl works with anti-bullying programs and raised money for the homeless in Hamilton by spending a winter night sleeping in his car.

Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership Award: Drs. Bob McCormack and Dhiren Naidu

Drs. McCormack and Naidu are the CFL's chief medical officers; McCormack is also the BC Lions' medical director, while Naidu serves as the Edmonton Elks' chief doctor. They were given this award for their work establishing and maintaining the CFL's health and safety protocols that have been in place during the pandemic.

Jane Mawby Tribute Award: Carol Longmuir

This award, established in 2019, is given to a CFL employee whose work is done outside the spotlight. Longmuir, the BC Lions' director of finance, has spent 27 years in the team's front office.

CFL Commissioner's Award: Nurse Sara May

This award is presented annually to one or more recipients who made a significant contribution to the CFL and dedication to football in Canada. This year, commissioner Randy Ambrosie honored May, a Hamilton-area nurse, for her work during the pandemic. May accepted the award on behalf of all frontline workers.

The 2019 CFL All-Star teams will be revealed later this month.