Oliveira, 4th Player to Win MOP, Top Canadian at CFL Awards 2024

Summary:

• The Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ running back Brady Oliveira won the MVP and the Most Outstanding Canadian awards.
• He is the first running back recognized as the CFL MVP in 11 years.
• Oliveira is now the fourth Canadian to claim both titles during the same season.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ running back Brady Oliveira made history on Thursday, joining an exclusive group of Canadian Football League (CFL) legends.

At the league’s awards night in Vancouver, Oliveira was named both the Most Outstanding Player (MOP) and Most Outstanding Canadian, becoming only the fourth player in CFL history to claim both titles in a single season.

“This Is a Team Award”

Sharing his first thoughts on his big wins, Oliveira also recognized the merit of his team, saying

This is an individual award but I need to ensure you that this is not an individual award … this is a team award

I’m a proud, proud Canadian boy, proud Winnipegger, proud Manitoban. I play in my hometown … this is a dream come true and this is never going to get old.

The legendary players also took a moment to praise Adeyemi-Berglund for inspiring young Canadian athletes:

You’re inspiring so many Canadian kids out there, and that’s what we are trying to do — inspire and pave the way for the next generation.

 “He’s a Hard-Nosed Runner”

Bombers’ head coach Mike O’Shea, a former MOC himself, highlighted Oliveira’s skills:

He’s a hard-nosed runner and he can do it all. He’s got great hands, understands protections, and is always there for his O-line. He’s a complete back.

Teammate Nic Demski praised Oliveira’s fierce playing style:

He does a lot of great things for our team and a lot of great things in this league.

Demski, who grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba like Oliveira, emphasized the pride they feel representing their hometown on the big stage.

The 27-year-old now shares this honor with a select few: Hall of Famers Jon Cornish (2013), Tony Gabriel (1978), and Russ Jackson (1963, 1966, and 1969).

Notably, Cornish was the last running back to win the CFL’s top player award over a decade ago.

Oliveira’s achievement ends a two-year streak for Bombers’ quarterback Zach Collaros, who had taken home the MOP in 2021 and 2022. 

This season, Oliveira led the league with an impressive 1,353 rushing yards, 476 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. 

He outperformed Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, who was vying for his third MOP award, having previously won in 2016 and 2018 with the Calgary Stampeders.

Oliveira was also a contender for the MOP award last year but lost to Toronto Argonauts’ quarterback Chad Kelly. 

This season, he became the first player since Cornish (2012-2014) to win back-to-back titles as the league’s top Canadian. 

Montreal Alouettes’ defensive lineman Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund was the other finalist.

Injured Linebacker Bighill Received Recognition

In addition to Brady Oliveira’s accolades, injured linebacker Adam Bighill received recognition at the awards ceremony, earning the Tate Pate Memorial Award. 

This honor goes to a CFL player who demonstrates exceptional sportsmanship and significant contributions on and off the field. 

Although Bighill, a three-time CFL Defensive Player of the Year, was sidelined after an injury on Labour Day in Regina, his leadership and community involvement remained impactful.