Dedrick Mills wins Calgary Stampeders’ Herm Harrison Memorial Award

Photo: Blair Takahashi/COACHTAK/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

Dedrick Mills has won the Herm Harrison Memorial Award, which recognizes a Calgary Stampeders player for outstanding service to the community. The announcement was made on Wednesday.

“Giving back to the community is very important to me,” said Mills in a statement. “Whether it’s pitching in at a major event or offering a small gesture to help bring someone joy and put a smile on their face, I’m always willing to do it. I’m grateful to receive the Herm Harrison Memorial Award, but I also see it as a reminder that the gifts and opportunities God has given me are meant to be used to serve others.

“My faith teaches me that true impact isn’t always about how much you give, but also about being willing to show up, make a difference and be a blessing to those around you. I hope this inspires others to do the same and find their own meaning in serving their community.”

Mills has participated in a wide variety of community events and initiatives this year, including Alberta Children’s Hospital visits, school reading events, Football 101 lessons, flag football programming, minor football camps, the Calgary Hitmen anti-bullying game, the Calgary Flames celebrity poker tournament, the Brakemen Foundation, the Calgary Dream Centre, and the Calgary Stampeders basketball program.

“I am very pleased to see someone without any previous ties to Calgary, much like Herm Harrison himself, receive this award,” said head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson. “Herm came to our city from the United States and made such a difference, and Dedrick is following that same path. We are proud of the Dedrick and believe he is an outstanding recipient of this prestigious honour.”

The 29-year-old ball-carrier has rushed for 943 yards, caught 28 passes for 235 yards, and scored six touchdowns over 13 regular-season games with the Stampeders this year. Over five seasons with the team, he has rushed for 4,536 yards, caught 126 passes for 1,082 yards, and scored 24 touchdowns.

The Herm Harrison Memorial Award was established in 2013. It is named after Herm Harrison, who played for the Stampeders from 1964 to 1972 and was a six-time All-West Division selection, three-time All-CFL selection, and one-time Grey Cup champion. The Canadian Football Hall of Fame inductee stayed in the city after his playing career was over and supported numerous community initiatives.

Previous winners include Rob Cote, Randy Chevrier, Bo Levi Mitchell, Joshua Bell, Rob Maver, Kamar Jorden, Colton Hunchak, Reggie Begelton, Marken Michel, and Jalen Philpot.

The Calgary Stampeders (8-8) will visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-8) on Saturday, October 10 with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Stampeders are coming off a 37-31 upset win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders, while Winnipeg got crushed by the Montreal Alouettes.

The game will be broadcast on TSN in Canada and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on 770 CHQR in Calgary or 680 CJOB in Winnipeg.