Adams Jr. named Presidents' Ring recipient
The Calgary Stampeders announced on Wednesday that quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. is this year's recipient of the Presidents' Ring.
The award is voted on by the players, who select the Stampeder who best exemplifies excellence on the field along with leadership, inspiration and motivational skills. It has been handed out every year since 1967, when it was established by former team president George McMahon and general manager Rogers Lehew. The first recipient was linebacker Wayne Harris.
Adams has earned it with the best season of his career. In his second year with the red and white, he has made 16 starts, completing 308 of 472 passes (65.3 per cent) for 4,209 yards with 35 touchdowns against just five interceptions, plus 44 carries for 360 yards and three rushing scores. He has been named a CFL Player of the Week a team-high three times, set a league record in Week 8 by throwing his 18th touchdown pass of the season before his first interception, and moved into 24th place on the CFL's all-time passing yards list.
“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,” said team president Jay McNeil, a back-to-back winner of the award himself in 2005 and 2006. “This award reflects the respect Vernon has earned in our locker room through his leadership, work ethic, resilience and unwavering commitment to his teammates.”
Chosen as a captain by his teammates in back-to-back years, Adams also leads the club's Every Yard Counts program, visiting the Alberta Children's Hospital on the day before each home game.
“It's a blessing and an honour,” said Adams. “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.”
Adams succeeds Derrick Moncrief, the 2025 recipient. Reggie Begelton won the award in 2024. The Stampeders close out the regular season on Saturday against the BC Lions at McMahon Stadium.