Montreal, November 25, 2021 – The Canadian Football League announced its finalists for the year-end Most Outstanding Player Awards on Thursday and, following their excellent seasons running back William Stanback and defensive lineman David Ménard have respectively been named the East Division Most Outstanding Player as well as Most Outstanding Canadian.
Stanback completed the season atop the CFL with 1,176 rushing yards, more than 300 yards from his closest rival, although the Alouettes tailback played one less game. The 27-year-old also dominated the CFL in many other categories, including his 6.1 yards per carry average and 193 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. He gained many of his rushing yards after the initial contact. The American running back scored three rushing touchdowns, on top of hauling in 16 passes for 114 yards. His 1,290 total offensive yards are also best in the CFL.
Breathing his native province’s air on a daily basis in 2021 did David Ménard a lot of good, as he cumulated a few honours this season. He was named the CFL player of the week 11, as well as the League’s player of the month in November. The Chicoutimi, QC native finished the season fourth in the CFL with eight sacks, which is the highest total of any Canadian player. Ménard also forced two fumbles and amassed 18 defensive tackles, including one for a loss. These all represent career-highs for the former Université de Montréal Carabin.
The winners were selected by their respective CFL city’s voting members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC), as well as their team’s head coach.
The 2021 CFL Awards will take place on Friday, December 10 at the Hamilton Convention Centre. Beginning at 6 p.m. ET, the evening is one of the highlights of this year’s Grey Cup Week. For the first time since its inception, the CFL Awards will be free and open to the public. Seating will be limited, and fans are invited to reserve their spots now at greycupfestival.ca.
