‘It doesn’t feel real’: Roughriders’ Hardrick, Ferland bring home hardware at CFL Awards night

CFL awards were handed out in Winnipeg, with Riders’ Jemarcus Hardrick earning Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman and Logan Ferland wins Jake Gaudaur award.

Two Saskatchewan Roughriders were recognized for their contributions to their team and community at the Canadian Football League (CFL) Awards in Winnipeg on Thursday.

Jermarcus Hardrick began the night for the Green and White being named the Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman for 2025.

It is the first time in his 11-year career he has been named MOOL.

“It doesn’t feel real,” Hardrick told reporters. “I’ve been in this league a long time. There’s some guys I look up to who have chased this thing. I’m just happy.”

His leadership and consistency paved the way for the Riders’ first West Division title since 2019.

Behind Hardrick, quarterback Trevor Harris threw for more than 4,500 yards while A.J. Ouellette rushed for 1,222 – second best in the CFL.

The 35-year-old Hardrick had a stellar 2025 at right tackle for the Riders as he was named to the All-CFL team.

The six-foot-four, 315-pound Hardrick signed with the Riders prior to the 2024 season after seven seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, winning Grey Cups in 2019 and 2021.

Hardrick played five games for the Riders in 2024 before suffering a season-ending quad injury.

“I didn’t even think I’d play again,” he admitted. “I got carted off.”

“This is more than me. This is the most outstanding teammate, most outstanding wife, most outstanding fans, most outstanding support. I couldn’t do it this long [without them].”

Four Riders before Hardrick have won the award: Brendon LaBatte (2013), Gene Makowsky (2004, 2005), Andrew Greene (2003) and Roger Aldag (1986, 1988).

Ferland recognized

Hardrick’s offensive linemate, Logan Ferland, also was honoured with the Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award for his exemplary leadership off the field.

The Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award recognizes a Canadian CFL player who best demonstrates the attributes of Canada’s veterans – strength, perseverance, courage, comradeship and contribution to Canadian communities. The late Jake Gaudaur – a distinguished veteran of the Second World War and the longest-serving Commissioner in CFL history – embodied these qualities through his service to the country and the Canadian football community.

“This means a lot,” Ferland said. “But football isn’t just for what’s going on on the field but off the field [as well]. And that really exemplifies the work we do in the offseason. So I very much appreciate it.”

Away from the field, Ferland has been every bit as impactful while serving as an ambassador for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon, devoting his time to forging meaningful connections with young patients.

Through the Rider Reading and Win with Wellness programs, he has travelled across his home province, visiting thousands of students and encouraging them through his own story of perseverance, following the loss of his father after a courageous battle with cancer.

“I think back to when I was in school, I had [Jeremy O’Day] come to my school and talk to me when I was in elementary school. The fact many years later, he’s now my GM, it shows how much you look up to those guys and you don’t really realize what is in your future,” said Ferland, who grew up in Melfort.

The possibility another young Rider fan in rural Saskatchewan, just like him, was something he hoped for.

“That’s my ultimate goal,” Ferland said. “To just train that resilient mind and continue to battle through any issues you’re going through mentally.”

Ferland is the fourth Rider is four years to win the award, following Jorgen Hus (2024), Brayden Lenius (2023) and Dan Clark (2022). Graeme Bell (2012) and Mike McCullogh (2010) also won the award while playing for the Riders.

Rourke Double Dips

B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke was the star of the show Thursday, just as he was all season long, capturing both the league’s Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Canadian awards.

“To be able to continue the legacy and the great tradition of this league is an honour and a privilege and something I don’t take lightly,” Rourke told reporters. “I just really want to win football games.

“And hopefully along the way, I can inspire the next generation,” he added.

Canadians have now won back-to-back MOC’s and MOP’s after Winnipeg’s Brady Oliveria swept the awards in 2024.

“I’m never setting out to be ‘The Guy,’ ” Rourke said humbly. “However, I understand when you care deeply about the league, the league has to be sold and you have to try to get people to pay attention to it.

“There’s so many things about this league that are exciting, and in my opinion, more exciting than the one that I was down south. And it deserves to be more eyes on it.”

Other awards

Sprouting Blue Bombers star Trey Vaval also cleaned house at the awards, sweeping the league’s Most Outstanding Special Teams’ player and Most Outstanding Rookie.

Finally, B.C. Lions’ defensive lineman Mathieu Betts was named the league’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player.

The CFL honoured only the players at Thursday’s awards night. Other league awards, like Coach of the Year, will be handed out at other CFL events.

With files from Jeff DeDekker and Jacob Carr.