Montreal Alouettes veteran Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund wins Tom Pate Memorial Award

Photo: Vincent Ethier/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

Montreal Alouettes defensive lineman Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund has won the Tom Pate Memorial Award, it was announced on Wednesday.

The award is presented annually by the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) to a player who exhibits outstanding sportsmanship while making significant contributions to his team, community, and the union. It is named in honour of former CFL linebacker Tom Pate, who was critically injured during a game in 1975 and later passed away at 23 years old.

A central part of Adeyemi-Berglund’s community involvement is The Berglund Bridge Organization, which he founded to create opportunities for youth and support families through football, mentorship, food security and community initiatives. Through the organization, he has developed several programs, including the Holiday Harvest Drive and Bridge the Gap Youth Football Camp.

Adeyemi-Berglund’s community involvement includes the Holiday Harvest Drive in support of local food banks and families, the Bridge the Gap Youth Football Camp, school visits, athletic banquets, mentorship opportunities, community fitness events, and other speaking engagements.

“Isaac embodies what the Tom Pate Memorial Award represents. His commitment to his community, his teammates and the people around him is something that deserves to be recognized and celebrated,” said CFLPA President Solomon Elimimian in a statement.

“What stands out is his initiative to create opportunities for others and make a lasting difference through his work with The Berglund Bridge Organization. As we celebrate 50 years of this award, we are proud to recognize a player who represents the values of our Association and what it means to be a CFL player.”

The 30-year-old recorded 31 defensive tackles, two tackles for loss, six pass knockdowns, one sack, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery over 18 regular-season games this year.

The native of Dartmouth, N.S. was originally a first-round pick in the 2020 CFL Draft by the Calgary Stampeders. Over 103 career regular-season games, he has made 148 defensive tackles, 15 special teams tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 33 sacks, 11 pass knockdowns, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one touchdown. He is a two-time All-East Division selection.

The finalists for this year’s honour were Adeyemi-Berglund, B.C. Lions defensive back Jackson Findlay, Calgary Stampeders strong-side linebacker Derrick Moncrief, Edmonton Elks defensive lineman Robbie Smith, Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Tommy Stevens, Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker Sergio Castillo, Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive lineman Owen Hubert, Toronto Argonauts quarterback Nick Arbuckle, and Ottawa Redblacks defensive back Alonzo Addae.

Other recent winners of the Tom Pate Memorial Award include Andrew Peirson, Adam Bighill, Brett Lauther, Emmanuel Arceneaux, Mike Daly, Rob Maver, Ryan King, and Adarius Bowman.