Dedrick Mills is in the running for more than just the Canadian Football League’s rushing title.
The Calgary Stampeders running back is also up for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player — that after being nominated for the award by the local chapter of the Football Reporters of Canada and the team’s coaching staff.
It’s the right choice given Mills’ game-in, game-out consistency and the production he’s had in helping the Stampeders to a turnaround season — a 10-7 one that has them in the chase for second place in the West Division with Friday’s final game of the regular schedule on tap against the host Edmonton Elks (7:30 p.m., TSN, CHQR 770 AM/107.3 FM the Edge).
“I wasn’t expecting all this,” the 28-year-old native of Waycross, Ga., told reporters. “I just came out here to play, man. Honestly, I just go out there and play my game and do whatever they ask me to do and be a team player, for real.
“I’m just focused on the team goals and not my goals individually,” continued Mills. “When I’m out there, I’m saying I’m playing for the team, and just whatever I can do to help a team, I just go out there and do it. No matter whatever they ask me to do — go out there and block and catch and run … whatever it is. If they want to throw me in on special teams sometime in the middle of the game, I’ll go out there and do that, too.
“So it’s just always about being a team player. Just always been ready and being the next man up.”
The Stampeders’ other representatives for the league’s major awards, as voted on by media members and Dave Dickenson and his associates, are receiver Jalen Philpot (Most Outstanding Canadian), left guard Zack Williams (Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman), defensive lineman Clarence Hicks (Most Outstanding Defensive Player), centre Chris Fortin (Most Outstanding Rookie) and punter Mark Vassett (Most Outstanding Special Teams Player).
The league’s top players in each category will be announced on Nov. 13 during the CFL awards ceremony during Grey Cup Week in Winnipeg.
Here is a closer look at the nominated Stampeders talents …
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DEDRICK MILLS (Most Outstanding Player)
The fourth-year player out of the NCAA’s Nebraska Cornhuskers enters the final weekend of the regular season with a league-leading 1,340 rushing yards and a 155-yard lead on BC Lions workhorse James Butler.
Mills, who is bidding to become the 11th Stampeders player in franchise history to win the league rushing crown, is also first in the CFL with 44 carries of at least 10 yards and is tied with Butler for the most rushing majors with 11.
Mills has four 100-yard games this season and has also contributed to the Stampeders passing attack with a career-high 32 receptions for 289 yards.
George Reed Most Outstanding Player award nominees
* Denotes a unanimous selection
CLARENCE HICKS (Most Outstanding Defensive Player)
Hicks leads the team and is tied for second in the league with 11 sacks. He’s the third Stamps player since 2019 to reach double digits in quarterback takedowns.
Hicks, who was the club’s nominee for Most Outstanding Rookie a year ago, also has 27 tackles including five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and six knockdowns.
The second-year pro from the NCAA’s UTSA Roadrunners has started all 17 games at defensive end this season and is part of a Red and White defensive unit that has allowed just 37 touchdowns, the second-lowest total in the CFL.
Most Outstanding Defensive Player nominees
MTL | Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund
Calgary Stampeders WR, Jalen Philpot during practice at Shouldice Park in Calgary on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Darren Makowichuk/Postmedia
JALEN PHILPOT (Most Outstanding Canadian)
The fourth-year slotback from the U SPORTS’ Calgary Dinos has amassed a career-best 830 receiving yards in 16 games this season to go along with 61 catches and three touchdowns.
Philpot has a 100-yard game to his credit this season and his reception total includes six catches that covered at least 30 yards and 19 that allowed the Stampeders to convert on second down. He also has 17 carries for 124 yards.
The Delta, B.C., product has also distinguished himself off the field as he was recently named the winner of the Stampeders’ Herm Harrison Memorial Award for community service.
Most Outstanding Canadian nominees
MTL | Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund*
ZACK WILLIAMS (Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman)
Williams has been a fixture at left guard for the Stamps, starting all 17 games to date, and has been an integral part of a unit that has allowed the team to record a league-best 127.8 rushing yards per game.
Williams has also helped pave the way for Mills’ 1,340 rushing yards.
Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman nominees
Calgary Stampeders offensive lineman Chris Fortin was photographed during a walkthrough practice at McMahon Stadium on Thursday, September 18, 2025.Gavin Young/Postmedia
CHRIS FORTIN (Most Outstanding Rookie)
After starting the season as the Stamps’ sixth offensive lineman, Fortin stepped in as the starting centre in Week 2 with Bryce Bell being sidelined by a season-ending injury.
The native of Saint-Rene, Que., has shown poise and maturity while manning a demanding position that belies his lack of experience, and his play has helped the Stampeders with their vaunted ground attack.
Most Outstanding Rookie nominees
MARK VASSETT (Most Outstanding Special Teams Player)
The Australian punter has made a profound impact in his first season as he leads the CFL with a net punting average of 42.1 yards, which would break the league’s single-season record, which is 41.5.
In 12 games, Vassett has punted 66 times for 3,319 yards — an average of 50.3 yards per kick — with two singles. The NCAA’s Colorado Buffaloes alum has seven punts that have pinned the opposition inside the 10-yard line and a long boot of 69 yards. Vassett also serves as the holder on place-kicks.
Most Outstanding Special Teams Player nominees
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