Calgary Stampeders award Vernon Adams Jr. with Presidents’ Ring

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

The Calgary Stampeders have awarded quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. the Presidents’ Ring.

The award is given annually to a player “who best demonstrates excellence on and off the field” based on their “in-game contributions, leadership, inspiration, and motivational skills.” It was established by former team president George McMahon and general manager Rogers Lehew in 1967. Voting is conducted by the players.

“Vernon is a tremendous competitor, leader and ambassador for the Calgary Stampeders, and we are proud to recognize him as this year’s recipient of the Presidents’ Ring,” Stampeders president Jay McNeil said in a statement. “This award reflects the respect Vernon has earned in our locker room through his leadership, work ethic, resilience and unwavering commitment to his teammates. His impact on our club extends far beyond the field, and this honour is a fitting tribute to the example he sets every day.”

Adams has started 16 games this year, completing 308-of-472 pass attempts (65.3 percent) for 4,209 yards with 35 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He has added 44 carries for 360 yards and three more scores. He has been named the CFL Player of the Week three times and set a league record in Week 8 with his 18th touchdown pass of the year before throwing an interception.

The 33-year-old has been a team captain in each of his two seasons with the Stampeders. His work in the community includes visits to the Alberta Children’s Hospital on the day before each home game as part of the longstanding Every Yard Counts program.

“It’s a blessing and an honour,” Adams said as part of the announcement. “I just try to be myself all the time. I try to come in with the same mindset and attitude every single day and smile. I want to get better for my teammates and work hard. I try to do the right things on and off the field all the time. I’m just going to keep working to be a better human and a better leader.”

Previous winners of the Presidents’ Ring include Derrick Moncrief, Reggie Begelton, Derek Wiggan, Jamar Wall, Brandon Smith, Micah Johnson, Josh Bell, Deron Mayo, Rob Cote, Corey Mace, Keon Raymond, and Rob Lazeo. McNeil was a back-to-back winner of the Presidents’ Ring himself in 2005 and 2006.

The Stampeders (8-9) will host the B.C. Lions (10-6) on Saturday, October 17, at 7:00 p.m. EDT. The team faces playoff elimination in the event of a loss and a Saskatchewan win earlier that day.