CFL B.C. Lions

Lions Collect Three Honours At Gibson's Finest CFL Player Awards

Published on November 27, 2009 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
B.C. Lions News Release


(Vancouver) BC Lions defensive end Ricky Foley picked up Outstanding Canadian honours, running back Martell Mallett snagged the Outstanding Rookie vote and Lions general manager and head coach Wally Buono received the Commissioner's Award as the Canadian Football League announced tonight the winners of the 2009 Gibson's Finest CFL Player Awards, held this evening at the TELUS Convention Centre in Calgary.

The players below were selected by a voting panel comprised of 55 members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC), representing eight CFL markets and a national chapter and the CFL head coaches.

Voters were asked to select players who, through on-field performance excellence, best represent the awards' title - Outstanding Player, Outstanding Canadian Player, Outstanding Defensive Player, Outstanding Offensive Lineman, Outstanding Rookie and Outstanding Special Teams Player.

In just his first season starting at the rush end position, Ricky Foley terrorized the opposition to the tune of 12 sacks and 51 defensive tackles, good enough for the league sack lead as well as CFL Defensive Player of the Month kudos for September. Despite suffering a broken thumb in Week 15, the fourth-year Lion continued to maintain his consistent statistical output, recording 15 tackles and a sack over the final four games of the regular season. With Foley's selection, the Lions continue their domination of the Outstanding Canadian Player vote, as the club has picked up league honours in the category in five of the past six seasons (2004 - Jason Clermont, 2005 - Brent Johnson, 2006 - Brent Johnson, 2007 - Jason Clermont).

Bruising running back Martell Mallett who was named a West Division All-Star earlier this month, racked up 1,240 yards and six TD's on 214 carries to round out the 2009 season, despite sitting out Weeks 17 and 18 due to a lingering foot injury. The versatile Pine Bluff, Arkansas native also notched 43 receptions for 342 yards and two TD's. After arriving on the scene in Week 1, the 'Hammer' immediately made an impact in his first season as a Leo, including a 21-carry, 213-yard performance versus the East Division powerhouse Montreal Alouettes in Week 10, earning him the nod as the league's Offensive Player of the Week. Mallett's selection marks the third time in four seasons that a Lion has been selected as the league's Outstanding Rookie (2006 - Aaron Hunt, 2007 - Cam Wake).

Lions general manager and head coach Wally Buono was honoured with the Commissioner's Award for his tremendous contributions to the Canadian Football League throughout nearly four decades spent as a player, coach and general manager. In 2009, Buono added to his club record for career wins as Lions head coach which now sits at 82. Over a 19-year coaching career, Buono has led his clubs to 10 division titles and four Grey Cup championships. Highly respected among coaching peers, he has amassed a regular season record of 235-122-3, making him the all-time CFL leader for career wins (235).

Secure your spot in BC Lions history as the club returns to an outdoor stadium for the 2010 season! Place a $100.00 deposit per seat on your Lions season tickets by Tuesday, December 15th and secure your 2010 seats at 2009 pricing. For more information, please visit our website at bclions.com or call 604.589.ROAR.

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Canadian Football League Stories from November 27, 2009


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