November 17, 2021

2021 Most Outstanding Players

Montreal, November 17, 2021 – The Canadian Football League unveiled the 2021 Most Outstanding Players for each team on Wednesday. Running back William Stanback was unanimously voted the Alouettes’ Most Outstanding Player. Canadian defensive lineman David Ménard received a double nomination from voters as the Alouettes Most Outstanding Canadian and Defensive Player, as did kicker David Côté who received the nod for Most Outstanding Rookie and Special Teams Player. Veteran Landon Rice was voted the team’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman.

Without surprise William Stanback was a unanimous selection as the Alouettes Most Outstanding Player in 2021, as he sits atop the CFL with 1,131 rushing yards, more than 200 yards from his closest rival, although the Alouettes tailback played two less games. The 27-year-old also dominates the CFL in many other categories, including his 6.1 yards per carry average and 186 rushes, as well as his six games with more than 100-rushing yards. His 203-rushing yards game, as well as his 65 yard-run also represent 2021 CFL highs. No one seems to be able or willing to stop him, as Stanback has gained many of his rushing yards after the initial contact. The American running back scored three rushing touchdowns, on top of hauling in 15 passes for 105 yards. His 1,236 total offensive yards are also best in the CFL.

David Ménard continues to cumulate the honours this season, as he was named the CFL player of the week 11, as well as the player of the month in November. The Chicoutimi, QC native ranks third in the CFL with eight sacks, which is the highest total of any Canadian player in the League. Ménard also forced two fumbles and amassed 16 defensive tackles, including one for a loss. These all represent career-highs for the former Université de Montréal Carabin.

The pressure that comes with the job of kicker didn’t seem to affect David Côté one bit as the Université Laval alum won the starting kicker position during training camp. He then seemed unshakeable throughout the season making 30 of his 37 field goals (81,1%), sometimes in non-ideal autumn weather conditions. He was perfect for field goals of 40 yards or less (17/17), on top of making 32 of 33 converts. His 123 points rank him third in the CFL. The 24-year old dominates the CFL with 3,730 yards on kickoff, maintaining a 60.2-yard average.

As for Landon Rice, he earned a regular starting job for the first time in his eight-year professional career in 2021. His consistency allowed the Alouettes to sit atop the CFL with 1,894 rushing yards, which is more than 400 yards more than the team that ranks second, maintaining a 5.6-yard average per rush. The Alouettes also lead the CFL with 4,832 net offensive yards and 273 first downs in 2021. The Brandon, MB native has been an important cog in an offensive line that allowed William Stanback to lead the CFL with 1,131 rushing yards and that allowed only 32 sacks this season, while protecting three different starting quarterbacks, which all have different playing styles. The offensive line also had to adjust to multiple personnel and position changes du to injury.

The award recipients were selected by voting members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) and CFL head coaches.