The Canadian Football League announced today the 2014 Most Outstanding Players for the East and West Divisions, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are very pleased to announce that rookie kicker Lirim Hajrullahu is the West Division nominee for Most Outstanding Special Teams Player. The Most Outstanding Player awards, which include six categories, are voted on by 68 voters from the Football Reporters of Canada and head coaches from across the league.
The Western University product signed with Winnipeg as a free agent in January, earned the placekicking position out of training camp, and by week four was also the club’s punter. Hajrullahu tied a CFL record for rookie placekickers, hitting on 87% of his field goals (40 of 46). His longest made field goal was from 51 yards out. He was named the CFL’s Special Team’s Player of the Week in week five.
“As a head coach, you are always proud of your players for putting it maximum effort and achieving success, said Bombers Head Coach Mike O’Shea. “Lirim was a solid piece of our football team this season, and for him to be recognized as the top special teams players in the division is a testament to his work ethic, focus and consistency.”
Hajrullahu was 11 of 14 from 40 yards and out, and made made 22 of his first 24 field goal attempts.
The 2014 CFL Awards will be handed out on Thursday, November 27 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, B.C. Tickets for the show are available at ticketmaster.ca. Tickets can be upgraded to provide access to the pre-show reception, the Concert Series VIP viewing deck or the CFLPA Official Player’s Party at FIVESIXTY.
