Herm Harrison Memorial Award Goes To Mills
Calgary Stampeders running back Dedrick Mills has been selected as the 2026 winner of the Herm Harrison Memorial Award on behalf of the Red and White.
Established in 2013, the annual award recognizes a Stamps player for his outstanding service to the community.
“I am very pleased to see someone without any previous ties to Calgary, much like Herm Harrison himself, receive this award,” said Stampeders general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson. “Herm came to our city from the United States and made such a difference, and Dedrick is following that same path. We are proud of the Dedrick and believe he is an outstanding recipient of this prestigious honour.”
Herm Harrison, one of the franchise’s all-time greats, played for the Stampeders from 1964-72. He was a West Division all-star on six occasions and a CFL all-star three times while winning a Cup Grey title in 1971, being added to the Wall of Fame in 1988 and joining the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1993.Harrison remained in Calgary following his playing days and continued to support numerous community initiatives.
“Giving back to the community is very important to me,” said Mills. “Whether it’s pitching in at a major event or offering a small gesture to help bring someone joy and put a smile on their face, I’m always willing to do it. I’m grateful to receive the Herm Harrison Memorial Award, but I also see it as a reminder that the gifts and opportunities God has given me are meant to be used to serve others.
“My faith teaches me that true impact isn’t always about how much you give, but also about being willing to show up, make a difference and be a blessing to those around you. I hope this inspires others to do the same and find their own meaning in serving their community.”
Now in his fifth season with the Stamps since coming to the CFL in 2022, Mills attended a wide variety of community events throughout the past year to give back to countless Calgarians. He attended every large-scale appearance available with a positive attitude, attentive approach and willingness to help as best he could, particularly regarding local youth.
Some of Mills’ most notable work in the community was leading Football 101 lessons at nearby schools, attending flag football programs with Calgary-based students and coaching at multiple minor football camps. He also instructed CGY Crew football sessions and championed the team’s all-new Stampeders Football initiative.
Additional school interactions with Mills at the forefront were multiple classroom book readings as well asseveral Calgary Stampeders Basketball Program games against high-school teams while connecting with players and spectators alike.
The Alberta Children’s Hospital (Every Yard Counts visits), Brakemen Foundation (Zero Hungry Kids charity event) and Calgary Dream Centre (Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk) were some of the organizations Mills assisted with in-person support.
Plus, Mills attended the Calgary Flames Ambassadors' Celebrity Poker Tournament in January to help round up dollars for health and wellness initiatives across Southern Alberta. Then in October, he made a meaningful impact on kids at the TELUS Be Brave #EndBulling Game hosted by the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League.
Previous Herm Harrison Memorial Award winners
2013 – Rob Cote
2014 – Randy Chevrier
2015 – Bo Levi Mitchell
2016 – Bo Levi Mitchell
2017 – Joshua Bell
2018 – Rob Maver
2019 – Rob Maver
2021 – Kamar Jorden
2022 – Colton Hunchak
2023 – Reggie Begelton
2024 – Marken Michel
2025 – Jalen Philpot