Dedrick Mills named 2026 Herm Harrison Memorial Award winner

CALGARY — Calgary Stampeders running back Dedrick Mills has been selected as the 2026 winner of the Herm Harrison Memorial Award.

Established in 2013, the annual award recognizes a Stampeders player for his outstanding service to the community.

"I am very pleased to see someone without any previous ties to Calgary, much like Herm Harrison himself, receive this award," said Stampeders general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson. "Herm came to our city from the United States and made such a difference, and Dedrick is following that same path. We are proud of Dedrick and believe he is an outstanding recipient of this prestigious honour."

Harrison, one of the franchise's all-time greats, played for the Stampeders from 1964-72. He was a West Division all-star six times and a CFL all-star three times, won the Grey Cup in 1971, was added to the Wall of Fame in 1988 and entered the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1993. He remained in Calgary after his playing days and continued supporting numerous community initiatives.

"Giving back to the community is very important to me," said Mills. "Whether it's pitching in at a major event or offering a small gesture to help bring someone joy and put a smile on their face, I'm always willing to do it. I'm grateful to receive the Herm Harrison Memorial Award, but I also see it as a reminder that the gifts and opportunities God has given me are meant to be used to serve others."

Now in his fifth season with the Stampeders since arriving in the CFL in 2022, Mills attended every large-scale community appearance available over the past year. His work included leading Football 101 lessons at nearby schools, attending flag football programs with Calgary students, coaching at minor football camps, classroom book readings, and visits with the Alberta Children's Hospital's Every Yard Counts program, the Brakemen Foundation's Zero Hungry Kids event and the Calgary Dream Centre's Coldest Night of the Year walk.