Photo courtesy: Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Jameer Thurman would rather campaign for other players to receive recognition — see: Allen, A.J. — over himself.

Leave it to Saskatchewan Roughriders’ head coach Corey Mace to explain why Thurman should be the Canadian Football League’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player for the 2025 season.

“Look, he’s about his business. He don’t say much, he ain’t going to campaign for himself, he’d probably be mad if people campaigned for him. He makes any play that’s around him, he’ll go up and go steal some plays, too,” Mace said. 

“I understand statistics and what things look like, but to me, you’ve got to look at the timing of when some of those plays are made — he always makes big plays in huge moments. You need excellent players to do that, and he’s certainly that. He’s able to go get the ball, too.“

The 30-year-old linebacker has 85 defensive tackles through 17 regular-season games, fourth-most in the CFL. He’s grabbed three interceptions, tied for second-most among all linebackers. The six-foot, 230-pounder recorded three sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Perhaps it’s what doesn’t show up in the box score that makes Thurman stand out with Saskatchewan.

“That’s a defensive captain, team captain, ultimate communicator, effort guy, physical force. I’m shocked that he doesn’t actually get more recognition than he’s gotten to this point,” Mace said.  

“I think people in this province understand what he brings to the team and certainly his teammates, too, and staff. He’s one of the best linebackers in the league and has been, in my opinion.”

Last year, Thurman was named a West Division all-star, which was the first time he was voted an all-star at the division or league level in his career. He has more tackles, sacks and interceptions this year than through the same number of games in 2024.

“Last year, it was rough playing with a torn bicep,” Thurman said. “Second year in the system with Mace, I wanted to take that next step. I think we did a pretty good job setting a standard as a defence. That’s why we’re the No. 1 defence in the league.”

Some argue the Chicago, Ill., native might not even be the best defensive player on his own team, despite claiming the team award for Most Outstanding Defensive Player. Reigning CFL MODP Rolan Milligan Jr. has 52 tackles in 15 games and sits tied for third in the league with four interceptions. Fellow defensive back Tevaughn Campbell ranks tied for first with six interceptions, and he’s produced the most INT return yards (205) in the CFL. Thurman himself believes fellow linebacker A.J. Allen should be in the conversation. Up front, Malik Carney produced 38 tackles and seven sacks, along with one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

“From a coaching perspective, you want as many of those guys as you can have. What I would say is ask some of his teammates the importance and what Thurm means to them. I think you’ll get the answer you want,” Mace said. 

Saskatchewan leads the three-down league in points allowed per game (22.5), opponent net offence per game (339.2), opponent rushing yards per game (78.2), opponent big plays (34), interceptions made (23), and turnover ratio (plus-10).

That stingy defence with a knack for taking the football away has helped the Riders earn the right to host the West Final for the first time since 2019. Thurman’s been in the middle of it all for the Green and White.