Anderson named CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie for 2024

The first-year Elks linebacker led the CFL in tackles with 116.

EDMONTON - Canadian Football's best first-year player officially resides in Edmonton.

Linebacker Nick Anderson became the Elks fifth winner of the CFL Most Outstanding Rookie honours, and the first since 2015. He joins former winners wide receiver Derel Walker (2015), linebacker Dexter McCoil (2014), wide receiver Shalon Baker (2015), and wide receiver Brian Kelly (1979).

The 24-year-old linebacker was the recipient of the Jackie Parker Trophy for the player adjudged to be the best rookie in the West Division, marking the second straight year an Elks player has captured the award (Kai Gray, 2023). Anderson beat out East Division nominee Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver Shemar Bridges for the league's Most Outstanding Rookie honours.

The Tulane product recorded one of the best defensive first years in both Green and Gold and CFL history, finishing first in the Canadian Football League in total tackles (116) and tying teammate Nyles Morgan for the CFL defensive tackle title with 111. Anderson recorded the second most defensive tackles by a rookie since the league started recording tackles as a stat in 1987, trailing only Barrin Simpson's rookie record of 115 tackles set in 2001 as a member of the B.C. Lions. His 111 defensive tackles ranks as the sixth most productive tackling season in Double E history.

The 5-foot-11 linebacker recorded at least six tackles in 11 of 18 games played this season, including a season-high 10 in the Elks season finale against Toronto. In addition to his impressive tackle total, Anderson notched three sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles to garner the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie nod.


EE MOST OUTSTANDING ROOKIE WINNERS

  • Nick Anderson (LB) - 2024
  • Derel Walker (WR) - 2015
  • Dexter McCoil (LB) - 2014
  • Shalon Baker (WR) - 1995
  • Brian Kelly (WR) - 1979

EE JACKIE PARKER TROPHY WINNERS (WEST DIVISION'S MOST OUTSTANDING ROOKIE)

  • Nick Anderson (LB) - 2024
  • Kai Gray (DB) - 2023
  • Derel Walker (WR) - 2015
  • Dexter McCoil (LB) - 2014
  • J.C. Sherritt (LB) - 2011
  • Shalon Baker (WR) - 1995
  • Stanley Blair (DB) - 1987
  • Stewart Hill (LB) - 1984
  • Brian Kelly (WR) - 1979

Michael Arcuri

Michael Arcuri

Manager, Football Communications and Player Relations, Edmonton Elks Football Club

 

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About The Edmonton Elks Football Club

The Edmonton Elks are proud members of the Canadian Football League, playing their home games at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta. 

The club has a tradition of excellence with 14 Grey Cup championships (1954-56, 1975, 1978-82, 1987, 1993, 2003, 2005, 2015) and 52 members of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Since its founding, the club has been community-owned and remains focused on providing outstanding football memories for Edmonton and all of Northern Alberta.

Contact

Commonwealth Stadium 11000 Stadium Road Edmonton, AB T5H 4E2

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