NINE PLAYERS UP FOR 2026 JAKE GAUDAUR VETERANS’ AWARD

TORONTO (October 1, 2026) – One player from each Canadian Football League (CFL) team has been nominated for this year’s Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award, which recognizes a Canadian CFL player who best demonstrates the attributes of Canada’s veterans – strength, perseverance, courage, comradeship and contribution to Canadian communities.

Presented annually since 2010, the award is named in honour of the late Jake Gaudaur – a distinguished veteran of the Second World War and the longest-serving Commissioner in CFL history – who embodied these qualities through his service to the country and the Canadian football community.

The recipient will be chosen by a committee made up of Deborah Bethell from Veterans Affairs Canada, CFL ON TSN analyst and former Honorary Colonel of 417 Combat Support Squadron, Glen Suitor, CFL Players’ Association Executive Director, David Mackie, and CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston.

In lieu of a traditional awards ceremony, the CFL will introduce a fresh new approach to recognizing award winners. Recipients will be honoured through special surprise presentations as the season draws to a close and during the postseason, creating more personal and intimate moments to celebrate players’ outstanding seasons. The moments will be shared online, offering fans a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the people and stories behind the statistics and accomplishments.

FIVE MOST RECENT WINNERS

2026 JAKE GAUDAUR VETERANS’ AWARD NOMINEES

ANDREW PEIRSON – BC LIONS
​Peirson’s journey to becoming an eight-year CFL veteran is defined by determination and perseverance. After joining the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2018, he worked his way into a starting role and has since established himself as a versatile presence on the offensive line. A respected locker-room leader and longtime CFLPA player representative, Peirson is committed to mentoring teammates and bringing the group together through team events and initiatives. The 2025 Tom Pate Award recipient and five-time Jamie Taras Community Service Award winner is equally dedicated to giving back. An ambassador for Special Olympics BC and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Peirson is also a leader in the Lions’ Be More Than A Bystander program, travelling across British Columbia to educate thousands of students on gender-based violence.

DAVID BEARD - EDMONTON ELKS
​An 11-year CFL veteran, Beard has established himself as a respected leader through his strength, accountability and commitment to his teammates. He took on an arduous offseason training program and won the starter’s role following a highly competitive training camp. After suffering an early-season injury, he returned ahead of schedule after missing only three games. A trusted voice in the locker room, he is willing to have difficult conversations on behalf of his teammates, while also serving as a liaison between players and football operations. He leads team chapel, supports younger players and helps hold the group accountable, including taking responsibility for postgame locker-room cleanup on the road. Away from football, Beard is active in the Elks’ community initiatives, making school visits focused on mental health, participating in an Indigenous sports camp and supporting the club’s outreach across Northern Alberta.

RENÉ PAREDES – CALGARY STAMPEDERS
​One of the most accomplished kickers in CFL history and a two-time Grey Cup champion, Paredes has spent his entire 15-year career with the Stampeders, earning a reputation as one of the league’s most respected leaders. After suffering an injury on the opening day of training camp, he missed the first 10 games of 2026, ending a streak of 247 consecutive appearances that began with his professional debut. Despite the setback, Paredes remained a constant presence around the team throughout his rehabilitation, supporting teammates and mentoring younger players, including rookie kicker Jude McAtamney. The 12-time team captain leads by example through professionalism and dedication to the organization, including reaching the 250-game milestone. His commitment to Calgary extends beyond football, with Paredes and his family contributing to local initiatives year-round, including Every Yard Counts visits to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, CUPS Christmas in January and the Brakeman Foundation’s efforts to help feed children in schools. He also supports fundraising efforts benefiting the health and wellness of Southern Albertans, including the Calgary Flames Ambassadors’ Celebrity Poker Tournament in January, which raised a record-setting total of $645,000.

KIAN SCHAFFER-BAKER – SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
​Schaffer-Baker has established himself as one of Saskatchewan’s most reliable receivers and one of the CFL’s most respected ambassadors. Despite battling significant injuries in consecutive seasons, he continues to support his teammates while working his way through his recovery process. Schaffer-Baker leads by example through energy and positivity, while building strong relationships throughout the Roughriders organization. Off the field, he is deeply committed to supporting young people across Saskatchewan. Through Rider Reading, Win with Wellness and other Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation initiatives, he has visited 19 schools and reached nearly 3,000 students, while also travelling to northern communities through Santa in the North. Whether visiting a classroom, meeting a young fan or supporting a teammate, Schaffer-Baker uses his platform to make meaningful connections and give back to the community.

PAT NEUFELD – WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
​A 15-year CFL veteran, two-time Grey Cup champion and three-time All-CFL selection, Neufeld has built a career defined by tenacity, leadership and consistency. He has overcome numerous significant injuries throughout his career, including a torn Achilles, a broken leg and separated shoulders, to appear in nearly 200 CFL games. As one of Winnipeg’s most respected veterans, Neufeld serves as a mentor to younger players and helps maintain the strong culture that has defined the Blue Bombers’ success. He was honoured with the club’s Ed Kotowich Good Guy Award in 2023 for his leadership and community involvement. A father of three who has made Winnipeg his home, Neufeld regularly supports charitable initiatives, school visits and outreach programs throughout Manitoba.

KIONDRÉ SMITH – HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
​Smith has established himself as one of Hamilton’s most dependable receivers and a team-first leader. He has embraced a larger leadership role in 2026, holding himself and the receiving corps accountable, while continuing to adapt through changes in the offence. Smith has earned the trust of his teammates and coaches through his preparation, willingness to accept coaching and commitment to improvement. Off the field, he is deeply involved in supporting young people through football, school and mental health initiatives. He works with CAMH and CLEAR, formerly Coaching Boys into Men, and he will serve as the Tiger-Cats’ spokesperson at the Egg Farmers Mental Health Breakfast. Smith regularly takes part in youth football programming across Hamilton to encourage young athletes and create meaningful connections within the community.

PETER NICASTRO – TORONTO ARGONAUTS
​A first-round CFL Canadian Draft selection in 2021, Nicastro has become one of Toronto’s most dependable offensive linemen. He has started 28 of the Argonauts’ last 29 games, while demonstrating the versatility needed to excel at both centre and guard. Nicastro emerged as a leader on the offensive line through a challenging start to the schedule, while maintaining a consistently high standard of play. As one of the club’s longest-serving players, he shares his experience with younger teammates and sets a strong example through his preparation and work ethic. Off the field, Nicastro remains active in the community, having participated in 16 events in the city over the past two seasons, while continuing to give his time to additional initiatives across the Greater Toronto Area.

SEAN MCEWEN – OTTAWA REDBLACKS
​McEwen’s recent journey has been defined by resoluteness and resilience. After tearing his ACL during training camp in 2025 and missing the entire season, the veteran offensive lineman fought through a long rehabilitation process to return to the CFL. In 2026, he joined the REDBLACKS and immediately embraced a leadership role on a young offensive line, providing mentorship and guidance to the next generation, while continuing to perform at a high level on the field. The 10-year veteran is widely respected for his professionalism and willingness to put the team’s needs first. Away from the game, he supports grassroots football through the REDBLACKS Ambassador Program and coaching clinics, helping young athletes and coaches develop their skills, while strengthening the state of the game across the National Capital Region.

GEOFFREY CANTIN-ARKU – MONTREAL ALOUETTES
​Cantin-Arku has emerged as an important contributor on defence and special teams since joining the Alouettes in 2024. His journey to the CFL reflects perseverance and determination. After losing his father at a young age, he left Quebec to pursue collegiate football in the United States, adapting to a new environment, while continuing to develop as a professional athlete. A respected teammate and steady leader, Cantin-Arku is known for bringing people together and helping foster a strong sense of camaraderie within Montreal’s locker room. In 2025, he founded the GCA Football Camp Academy in Quebec City, providing football instruction, mentorship and leadership opportunities to more than 250 youth. He has also supported food security initiatives through Purolator Tackle Hunger and volunteer work with Welcome Hall Mission, while regularly sharing his story to inspire the next generation.