Father on hand to see Messam earn second award as top Canadian
TORONTO — When his football career is over, Jerome Messam might have a future in curling.
The Calgary Stampeders running back showed off his sweeping skills on Thursday night.
Messam, who was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian, was asked about all five Stampeders nominees winning their awards.
“It says a lot about our organization and the level of talent that we bring in,” Messam said after holding an imaginary broom to signify the club’s sweep.
“It shows how hard our coaches work to get us prepared. And it shows that all the candidates who won, how hard they worked to be productive on the field.”
It was Messam’s second top Canuck trophy. He won the award in 2011 when he played for the Edmonton Eskimos. The first time put him on the map. The second one confirmed he’s no fluke.
“It means a lot to accept the award five years after I won the first one,” Messam said. “It feels great.
“I’ve worked hard throughout my career to become a complete player and to be thought of as a great player on and off the field. To get this award later on in my career shows just how far I’ve come and all the hard work that I’ve put in.”
Messam accepted the award at the Art Gallery of Ontario in his hometown.
“It’s amazing to do it at home in Toronto,” he said.
“And to have my dad here. He hasn’t been able to come to many events because he works so hard. To have him here means a lot to me. I’m going to have a lot of family and friends at the game on Sunday.”
Messam garnered 63 of 73 firstplace
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Stamps head coach Dave Dickenson, who was named the CFL’s coach of the year, said his club has been spoiled in recent years.
“We’ve been fortunate,” Dickenson said.
“We found guys that fit our system and guys who are versatile. As far as Canadian backs go, I think they’re both right up there with the best in the history of the league.”
The 31-year-old was one of just two running backs to hit the 1,000yard mark (Toronto Argonauts back Brandon Whitaker had 1,009), finishing with a league-high 1,198 yards.