MEDIA RELEASE | Royce Metchie named Elks David Boone Award winner
The honour is awarded to the Elks player who represents the commitment to on-field excellence and community service
EDMONTON – On a team full of players who strive to serve our community, there was one who stood out above the rest.
Elks defensive back Royce Metchie has been named the Elks recipient of the David Boone Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to community service.
Over the past two years, Royce has been the Edmonton Elks Stollery Children's Hospital Ambassador - committed to visiting the hospital before every Elks home game. At the facility he has buillt a connection with kids and their families, plays games, and helps take the children's minds off the challenges they're facing. In addition, Royce has been active in the minor football community, having participated in numerous camps and initiatives to help coach the next generation of athletes.
"What differentiates Royce is his attitude towards community engagement. He is always respectful, intentional and genuinely excited to be part of every program we have to offer. He's eager to do more and continuously give back to the Edmonton community." Elks Community Manager Shelby Marchand said. "We are truly proud to have him as part of our organization and are confident that his impact will continue far beyond football"
Metchie is an eight-year CFL veteran and three-time Grey Cup champion, having joined the Green and Gold in 2025. The 30-year-old demonstrated his on-field resilience as well as his dedication to community service, battling back from an Achilles injury to suit up for his 100th Canadian Football League game this season.
The award is in recognition for Royce's work during the 2025 season, which has continued into this calendar year.
The David Boone Award was created in 2005 in memory of the legendary Eskimos defensive lineman, three-time West Division All-Star and CFL All-Star who spent countless hours helping those less fortunate. The honour is awarded annually to the Edmonton Elks player who best represents the commitment to on-field excellence and community service that Boone stood for.
PREVIOUS DAVID BOONE AWARD WINNERS
2005 – Jason Maas
2006 – Ed Hervey
2007 – Dan Comiskey
2008 – Patrick Kabongo
2009 – Patrick Kabongo
2010 – Graeme Bell
2011 – Aaron Fiaconni
2012 – Mathieu Bertrand
2013 – Grant Shaw
2014 – Calvin McCarty
2015 – Ryan King
2016 – Grant Shaw
2017 – Adarius Bowman
2018 – Ryan King
2019 – Matt O'Donnell
2021 – Matt O'Donnell
2022 – Emmanuel Arceneaux
2023 – Eugene Lewis
2024 – Mark Korte
2025 – Royce Metchie
For any media inquiries, please contact Elks Manager of Communications and Content Strategy Michael Arcuri
EDMONTON ELKS
The Edmonton Elks are proud members of the Canadian Football League, playing their home games at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta.
The club, officially renamed the Elks in June of 2021, has a tradition of excellence having won 14 Grey Cup championships (1954-56, 1975, 1978-82, 1987, 1993, 2003, 2005, 2015). Since its founding, the club remains focused on providing outstanding football memories for Edmonton and all of Northern Alberta.
Elks Football… Always Edmonton
Michael Arcuri