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The defensive back and special-teams ace makes an impact in the community through his dedication to youth development and wellness.
Published Oct 10, 2025 • Last updated 8 minutes ago • 6 minute read
Godfrey Onyeka
Godfrey Onyeka contributes to CGY Champs and has also given his time to coach youth flag football at Learn to Play camps. Photo by Darren Makowichuk /Postmedia
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Godfrey Onyeka is one of the do-everything guys in the Canadian Football League.
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In fact, the versatile defensive back is one of three-down football’s hardest workers and a pillar in the community, say Calgary Stampeders teammates and coaches.
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So much so they’ve named him their nominee for the Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award — the circuit’s salute to commitment — this CFL season.
No small shout-out, to be sure.
“I’m honoured by it,” said Onyeka, in his first year with the Stampeders (8-7), who suit up for a pivotal game against the host Hamilton Tiger-Cats (10-6) on Saturday afternoon (1 p.m., TSN, CHQR 770 AM/107.3 FM the Edge).
“It’s pretty cool.”
Specifically, the Gaudaur honour is given annually to the Canadian player who best demonstrates the attributes of the country’s veterans, such as strength, perseverance, courage, comradeship and contribution to Canadian communities. The award, which has been presented annually since 2010, was created in memory of Jake Gaudaur — the CFL’s longest-standing commissioner and a distinguished Second World War veteran.
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As a new Canadian — Onyeka and his family came to the country from Nigeria when he was 11 years old — he feels a tremendous love his adopted home and a duty to give back. He does so joyfully and is a frequent participant at community events.
“I wasn’t born here,” said Onyeka, who was a star with the U SPORTS’ Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks before becoming a seven-year-and-counting CFLer — first with the Edmonton Eskimos, then with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and now with the Stampeders.
“But most of me becoming who I am happened in Canada.”
Onyeka has made a meaningful impact in the Calgary community through his dedication to youth development and wellness. He contributes to CGY Champs, Calgary’s exclusive health and wellness online program, by helping create engaging content that supports the social and emotional learning of K–8 students. He has also given his time to coach youth flag football at Learn to Play camps, sharing his knowledge and passion for the game while mentoring kids on and off the field. His commitment to empowering the next generation through sport and education exemplifies true community leadership.
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In 2024 as a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, he was a frequent volunteer at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission in Regina, helping prepare for dinner, the post-meal cleanup and setting up the shelter for the night.
“I don’t know how to answer that,” said a humbled Onyeka, when asked about how he came about his work ethic and passion for others. “I was raised right, I guess. Yeah … I just figure you just do the right things and let the world take care of itself.”
Just like it’s working out for him in his first season with the Red and White.
In particular, Onyeka’s work on special teams — a part of football noted for high-speed collisions and ferociousness — demonstrates his courage and determination. Through 15 games, Onyeka leads the Stampeders in special-teams tackles — with 17 — and he is often the first man downfield on punt and kickoff coverage.
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He has recorded 22 defensive tackles, to boot.
Calgary Stampeders vs. Edmonton Elks
Godfrey Onyeka tackles the Edmonton Elks’ Justin Rankin at McMahon Stadium in Calgary on Sept. 1, 2025. Photo by Darren Makowichuk /Postmedia
“To me, I think Godfrey is one of our toughest players — a guy that’s willing to do whatever it takes to help the team,” praised Stampeders GM/head coach Dickenson. “He has been put in a lot of situations. He’s happy about the opportunities, but he’s been moving around halfback and corner, and he’s a great special teamer. And he’s doing a lot of things well for us.
“I haven’t seen him miss any snaps in practice or games. He just really does represent the Gaudaur award well, and I’m happy for him.”
Originally arriving in Calgary to take on a key special-teams role, Onyeka has jumped right into hot situations on defence.
He’s made the most of spelling others who are injured in starting gigs and hasn’t looked out of place.
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“When I first got here, I didn’t know what role I would play and that kind of thing,” said the 31-year-old Onyeka. “And I’m old — I’m pretty washed at this point. So the fact that they can trust me with all this and let me be me is pretty cool.
“I wouldn’t say surprised,” continued the 6-foot-1, 200 pounder, of being handed different significant roles almost weekly. “We all prep every day like we’re going to be a starter every week. So not surprised — just grateful that I got the opportunity to do it.”
His versatility will be counted on again Saturday.
With safety and defensive captain Damon Webb out Saturday due to a pectoral injury and the Stamps choosing to cut former starting defensive back Tyler Richardson, Onyeka will see the field a lot — likely in different spots — against QB Bo Levi Mitchell and the Tiger-Cats.
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It’s a challenge he embraces.
“You’ve just got to care about other people and care about the general goal — not just your individual goals,” Onyeka said. “When you worry more about your 1/12th (duty on defence) is, it works out.”
Battled back from injuries
Onyeka battled serious injuries in back-to-back seasons to get his career back on track in 2024. After being limited to six games over two seasons, he played all 18 in 2024 and has not missed a single contest in 2025 through the first 18 weeks of the campaign. Despite seven years of CFL experience, Onyeka does not rest on his laurels and has a drive to keep improving. He frequently puts in extra work on the practice field, in the gym and in the meeting room, and no player asks more questions of the coaches in a quest to better understand his assignments.
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“He shows up every single day since camp in there early with us,” said Stamps quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. of Onyeka. “We call it ‘The Breakfast Club’, where we work out before we eat. That’s our breakfast. So he’s in there early, man.”
Both at home and on the road, the gregarious Onyeka makes friends. Always smiling, he chats at length with fans and frequently seeks out a youngster in the stands in order to play a game of catch, despite being in his first season with the Stampeders,
Onyeka has quickly become a very popular colleague as was made very obvious by the excitement of his teammates in Week 12 when he made an exceptional play to record his first interception. He is very intelligent and treats everyone in the organization — players, coaches and staff — with warmth and respect.
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“Even though he’s a role type of player, he still came in and did what he was supposed to do,” Adams said. “He’s had that interception, he’s a great special-teams player … so he deserves (the nomination), because he works hard.”
And he’s one of a handful of talents representing Onyeka family in the CFL.
His younger brother, Kene, is a defensive lineman with the Ottawa Redblacks. His cousin, Nakas, played linebacker for six years in the CFL. And his other cousin, Kosi, was a defensive back for four CFL campaigns.
But the Stamps are tickled pink to have Godfrey in their stable this season.
“It’s my first time playing with one of the Onyekas, so I’m happy I’m with him,” added Adams. “He’s just a great dude — humble — and I love playing with him.”
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The Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award winner will be announced during the CFL awards on Thursday, Nov. 13, in Winnipeg as part of Grey Cup Week.
SHORT YARDAGE
At Webb’s starting safety spot, it’s DB Bailey Devine-Scott getting the call against the Tiger-Cats … Another key injury to DL Lorenzo Mauldin IV (ankle) puts DL Shaun Peterson Jr. at rush end to start Saturday … The offensive line is also shuffled up, with left tackle D’Antne Demery (shoulder) sidelined by injury. That brings in Preston Nichols to start at right tackle and shifts Josh Coker to start at left tackle … With the team choosing to cut Richardson, DB Lance Robinson gets his first start for the Stamps. The rookie from NCAA Tulane slots in at the boundary-side halfback spot … Also coming into the Stamps lineup is DB Brady Breeze to help stabilize the secondary.
tsaelhof@postmedia.com
www.x.com/ToddSaelhofPM
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