Men’s Football
U SPORTS unveils rebranded Athlete of the Year Program in partnership with The Honourable Lois and Doug Mitchell
Five legendary players from the Canadian Football League (CFL), an iconic head coach and an instrumental leader are included in the Class of 2021 unveiled today by the Canadian Football Hall of Fame (CFHOF) and Museum.
The Canadian Football Hall of Fame is proud to honour these individuals who have contributed so much to our game, on the field, on the sidelines and in the boardroom,” said Greg Dick, Interim CFHOF Executive Director. “I would also like to thank the Selection Committee for their tireless work in selecting this year’s excellent class.”
The formal induction of the Class of 2021 – now scheduled for Grey Cup Week this November in Hamilton -- will bring the total number of Hall of Fame members to 316.
The 2020 Class was announced last year but its induction was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That ceremony is now scheduled for August 6 in Hamilton, Ontario. The Class of 2020 includes Larry Uteck and Greg Vavra, who will also be honoured during the Hall of Fame Game, scheduled for August 7, between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Calgary Stampeders.
DOUG MITCHELL | BUILDER
Doug Mitchell’s unbridled passion for football has made the game stronger at the amateur and professional level.
Mitchell played for the BC Lions, but that was just the start of his many football accomplishments and contributions. His contributions to sport, and in particular his dedication to football, have been defining features of his life, along with his successful law career and the remarkable family he has built with his wife Lois.
Perhaps best known as the CFL’s sixth Commissioner, serving in that capacity from 1984 to 1988, Mitchell has also served on the CFL’s Board of Governors, as a representative of the Calgary Stampeders. His many contributions to Canadian university football include the creation of the U SPORTS Athlete of the Year Awards honouring Canadian university student-athletes. The honour – formerly known as the Howard Mackie, BLG and Lieutenant Governor Athletic Awards – were recently renamed The Honourable Lois Mitchell and Doug Mitchell U SPORTS Athlete of the Year Awards Presented by Makadiff Sports. U SPORTS has named one of its national semi-final football games the Mitchell Bowl in his honour.
A member of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, Mitchell’s contributions to his community and his country have earned him inclusion in the Alberta Order of Excellence, and the Order of Canada.