Chris Randle (8) during the game between the Calgary Stampeders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, AB. Saturday, September 24, 2016. (Photo: Johany Jutras)
Chris Randle’s skills have been on display every week this season, as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ veteran cornerback has authored another spectacular campaign.
Randle, named the club’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player just last week, has now also been recognized for his work while not wearing his shoulder pads and helmet.
The Canadian Football League Players’ Association announced Tuesday its nominees for the prestigious Tom Pate Award, presented annually to the player who ‘embodies the qualities that distinguished Tom Pate; qualities that recognize a player with outstanding sportsmanship, a player who has made a contribution to his team as well as to his community and to his Association.’
It is voted on by CFLPA members and is awarded each year during Grey Cup week.
Pate came to the CFL after starring at the University of Nebraska, and after shuffling through various teams, became a star with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. His life ended tragically at the age of 23 in October of 1975 after suffering an aneurysm in a game and then passing away two days later.
The last Bomber to win the award was Milt Stegall in 2007. Others to win it include Glen Scrivener (1998), Nick Arakgi (1987) and John Helton (1979).
This year’s other team nominees include:
Montreal Alouettes: Stephen Adekolu
Ottawa REDBLACKS: Alex Mateas
Toronto Argonauts: Jamal Campbell
Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Courtney Stephen
Saskatchewan Roughriders: Makana Henry
Calgary Stampeders: Joshua Bell
Edmonton Eskimos: Adarius Bowman
B.C. Lions: Emmanuel Arceneaux
