Montreal, October 26, 2022 – The Canadian Football League unveiled the 2022 Most Outstanding Players for each team on Wednesday. To no surprise, receiver Eugene Lewis was unanimously voted the Alouettes 2022 Most Outstanding Player. On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Adarius Pickett was also a unanimous selection. Safety Marc-Antoine Dequoy received the nod as Most Outstanding Canadian, while Landon Rice preserves his title as Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman. Returner Chandler Worthy was voted the Most Outstanding Special Teams Player, and receiver Tyson Philpot received all the votes for Most Outstanding Rookie.
Most Outstanding Player: Eugene Lewis *
The 29-year-old receiver was the Alouettes most sought after target in 2022, catching 91 passes for 1,303 yards, which allow him to currently sit in third place in the CFL, only 54 yards back from the leader. The former University of Oklahoma standout also caught ten touchdown passes. Lewis was consistent thoughout the season, even if he caught passes from two different quarterbacks, as he registered five games with more than 100 receiving yards, on top of maintaining a 14.3 yards per catch.
Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Adarius Pickett *
Pickett was a force to reckon with for opposing offences throughout the season, as he amassed 66 defensive tackles, four sacks, four tackles for losses, on top of forcing two fumbles, including one he returned 16 yards for a touchdown in the win that clinched the Alouettes playoff spot. The versatile former UCLA Bruin registered an interception, knocked down two passes and recovered two fumbles. The 26-year-old also helped his defensive squad’s field position as he made seven special teams tackles.
Most Outstanding Canadian: Marc-Antoine Dequoy
The Quebec-born 28-year-old safety leads the team with four interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown. The former Université de Montréal Carabin places second in the CFL with seven “big plays”, as he also recovered two fumbles, on top of forcing one. So far this season, the first-year starter has recorded 37 defensive tackles, as well as four on special teams.
Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman: Landon Rice
Landon Rice receives this nomination for a second straight year after starting all 17 games at the right tackle position, which is normally a spot dedicated to American players. The 34-year-old has anchored an offensive line that helped quarterback Trevor Harris throw for 4,157 yards, which is the second highest total in the CFL.
Most Outstanding Special Teams Player: Chandler Worthy
The team’s main returner is responsible for 1,771 yards gained in 2022 with the Alouettes. He sits second in the CFL with 1,129 kickoff return yards, scoring two touchdowns in the process. Those yards also represent the fourth highest total in Alouettes’ history. The 29-year-old has kept fans on the edge of their seats, as he returned four kickoffs for more than 40 yards and six punt returns for more than 30 yards. His 547 punt return yards currently place him fifth in the CFL.
Most Outstanding Rookie: Tyson Philpot *
The 22-year-old rookie was used at different positions in his first CFL season and created sparks wherever he was employed. On offence, the former University of Calgary Dino caught 34 passes for 412 yards, on top of scoring two majors. Philpot also cumulated 342 kickoff return yards, including two he returned for more than 40 yards. He added 153 yards on 11 punt returns.
The award recipients were selected by voting members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) and CFL head coaches.
* Unanimous selection
