Tom Pate Memorial Award, selected annually by the Canadian Football League Players' Association, is awarded to a player with outstanding sportsmanship and someone who has made a significant contribution to his team, his community and Association. The award winner must display these qualities such that it distinguishes him from his peers.[1]
The award is named in the memory of deceased CFL player Tom Pate. A 23-year-old rookie with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, on October 11, 1975 he was critically injured in a game against the Calgary Stampeders. He never regained consciousness and died three days later.
The award is also known as the CFLPA's Tom Pate Outstanding Community Service Award.
