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Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira etched his name in the history books on Thursday night.
The 27-year-old Winnipeg native took home the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player for the first time and Most Outstanding Canadian award for the second time in his career.
Oliveira’s dominance on the field this season was undeniable, leading the league with 1,353 rushing yards.
He became the first player in franchise history to win both awards in the same season and is the third Blue Bombers player to be named Most Outstanding Player in the last four years, following quarterback Zach Collaros, who received the honour in 2021 and 2022.
Oliveira is also the ninth player in the team’s storied history to be recognized as the league’s top player.
“It’s amazing, man, to be up here with two of the most prestigious awards in this amazing league that I’ve been watching since I was a young kid,” Oliveira told Ed Tait of bluebombers.com. “It’s a dream. It’s awesome.”
Reflecting on his accomplishments, Oliveira expressed awe at being mentioned alongside CFL legends like Jon Cornish, whose performances inspired him as a young player. “To even be mentioned with his name is, again, bizarre but of course an incredible honour.”
Adam Bighill also wins at CFL Awards
Oliveira’s accolades weren’t the only ones celebrated by the Blue Bombers. Veteran linebacker Adam Bighill received the Tom Pate Award, recognizing his outstanding sportsmanship and significant contributions both on and off the field.
Bighill is the president of Making Faces, a non-profit organization supporting children with facial differences, and he actively works to develop young football players in Manitoba through coaching and mentorship.
The Blue Bombers now shift their focus to the 111th Grey Cup, where they will face the Toronto Argonauts on Sunday at 5 p.m., aiming to add another chapter to their remarkable season.