Solomon Elimimian cleans up at CFL awards

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – BC Lions linebacker Solomon Elimimian has made CFL history, becoming the first pure defensive player to ever claim the league’s Most Outstanding Player award. Elimimian was also named the Most Outstanding Defensive Player after his record-breaking season.

Elimimian notched a league record 143 tackles in the 2014 season, crushing the previous record of 130, held by Edmonton’s J.C. Sherritt. Elimimian also tallied five sacks, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and an interception this year.

The linebacker beat out Toronto Argonauts quarterback Ricky Ray to win the award. He knocked off Montreal linebacker Bear Woods to win the top defensive player award.

Elimimian showed his true team spirit while accepting the awards.

“While I would trade these honours to have an opportunity to play on Sunday in the Grey Cup, I am very proud to represent the BC Lions organization tonight and I feel very blessed by the support of my teammates and coaches.”

The 28-year-old is the seventh Lion to ever win the MOP award and is the first since quarterback Travis Lulay did it in 2011.

Elimimian also becomes the first player to ever win three different CFL awards. He was named the league’s top rookie in 2010. Elimimian received 48-of-62 first-place votes for Most Outstanding Player, and 58 first-place votes for Most Outstanding Defensive Player.

Calgary Stampeders running back Jon Cornish of New Westminster was named the Most Outstanding Canadian for the third year in a row. The other winners were Brett Jones of the Stampeders (Most Outstanding Lineman), Toronto’s Swayze Waters (Most Outstanding Special Team Player) and Dexter McCoil of the Eskimos (Most Outstanding Rookie).

The CFL season will wrap-up on Sunday at BC Place with the Stampeders facing the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the 102nd Grey Cup game.

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