Willie Jefferson/Brady Oliveira Recipients Of Blue Bombers Community Service Awards

WINNIPEG, MB., March 27, 2023 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are pleased to announce Willie Jefferson and Brady Oliveira as the recipients of the team’s prestigious community service awards – the Ed Kotowich ‘Good Guy Award’ and the Cal Murphy ‘Heart of a Legend Award.’

Jefferson has been acknowledged as the Kotowich award winner, recognizing the player who has ‘excellent football ability, is a leader in the locker room and shows outstanding effort in the community.’

A year-round resident with his wife and two daughters, Jefferson has immersed himself into the community and makes countless public and charitable appearances on behalf of the football club.

A four-time Canadian Football League All-Star and five-time West Division All-Star, Jefferson was also named the league’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2019 – his first year with the Blue Bombers. He was also named the club’s Most Outstanding Player in 2019 and the Blue Bombers Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2019 and 2022.

Oliveira is the recipient of the Murphy award, presented to the player who shown ‘outstanding sportsmanship and dedication to the Canadian Football League and the community.’

Oliveira, a Winnipegger and product of the North Winnipeg Nomads and Oak Park Raiders before playing his college ball at the University of North Dakota, has received worldwide recognition for his work as a dog rescuer with K9 Advocates here in Manitoba, and internationally during visits to Mexico and Bali.

On the field, he settled in as the Blue Bombers feature running back in 2022, and finished the year with 1,001 yards rushing.