Definition
The Lew Hayman Trophy is an annual award presented by the Canadian Football League (CFL) to the player judged to be the most outstanding Canadian citizen in the league’s East Division for a given season.
Overview
Instituted in 1975, the trophy forms one half of the CFL’s overall “Most Outstanding Canadian” honour; the winner of the Lew Hayman Trophy competes against the recipient of the Dr. Beattie Martin Trophy (the West Division’s equivalent) for the league‑wide award. The trophy is awarded at the CFL’s annual awards ceremony, typically held in November following the conclusion of the regular season and playoffs.
Etymology/Origin
The award is named after Lew Hayman (1908–1991), a prominent figure in Canadian football history. Hayman’s career spanned roles as a player, coach, and executive with teams such as the Toronto Argonauts and the Montreal Alouettes, and he was instrumental in the development of the CFL’s modern organizational structure. Naming the trophy after him recognises his contributions to the sport, particularly in the Eastern region of Canada.
Characteristics
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Players must be classified as “nationals” (i.e., Canadian citizens or individuals who meet the CFL’s Canadian‑player criteria) and must have played for a team in the East Division during the season. |
| Selection Process | A panel of CFL officials, media representatives, and sometimes former award recipients vote on the most outstanding Canadian player in the East Division. The selection is based on overall performance, statistical contributions, and impact on the team’s success. |
| Presentation | The trophy is presented during the CFL’s Awards Banquet. The recipient also receives a plaque and a monetary component, though the exact amount may vary by season. |
| Notable Recipients | Prominent winners include: • 1975 – Gerry Dattilio (Montreal Alouettes) • 1992 – Doug Flutie (though an American, he received the overall Most Outstanding Player award, not the Lew Hayman) – Note: The Lew Hayman Trophy is limited to Canadian players; Flutie is cited here only to illustrate the distinction between awards. • 2002 – Mike Pringle (Toronto Argonauts) – Accurate information is not confirmed for this year; the award is for Canadians, and Pringle is American. • 2012 – Andy Fantuz (Toronto Argonauts) • 2022 – Brad Sinopoli (Ottawa Redblacks) |
| Historical Significance | The trophy highlights the CFL’s emphasis on Canadian talent, reinforcing the league’s “ratio” rule that mandates a minimum number of Canadian players on each roster. It also serves to honour Lew Hayman’s legacy within the sport. |
Related Topics
- Canadian Football League (CFL) – The professional football league in which the award is presented.
- Dr. Beattie Martin Trophy – The counterpart award for the West Division’s most outstanding Canadian player.
- CFL Most Outstanding Canadian Award – The league‑wide honour contested between the winners of the Lew Hayman and Dr. Beattie Martin trophies.
- Lew Hayman – Biography of the award’s namesake, detailing his contributions as a player, coach, and executive.
- CFL Awards and Honours – A broader overview of the league’s annual recognitions, including Most Outstanding Player, Most Outstanding Rookie, and others.