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'Truly thankful,' says the Canadian hands-man who's a role model both on and off the field.
Published Oct 15, 2025 • Last updated 5 minutes ago • 4 minute read
Jalen Philpot
Calgary Stampeders receiver Jalen Philpot outruns the Montreal Alouettes defensive line at McMahon Stadium in Calgary on July 24, 2025. Photo by Brent Calver /Postmedia
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Jalen Philpot’s hands are among the best in football.
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Turns out his heart is pretty top-shelf, too.
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That’s the word after the receiver was named Wednesday the 2025 recipient of the Calgary Stampeders’ Herm Harrison Memorial Award.
Established in 2013, the annual award recognizes a Stampeders player for his outstanding community service. One of the franchise’s all-time greats, Herm Harrison played for the Stampeders from 1964-72 and was a Canadian Football League all-star three times and a West Division all-star on six occasions.
“Truly thankful to receive the Herm Harrison Memorial Award,” said Philpot, a 25-year-old native of Delta, B.C. “Growing up in Canada, I was that kid watching the CFL every weekend, looking up to CFL athletes such as Bobby Singh, Rolly Lumbala and Solomon Elimimian, who were making positive impacts in my community through camps and social interactions.
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“They made me believe it was possible and inspired me to chase this dream, and to now be recognized in this way means a lot.”
He also praised teammate and CFL legend Adam Bighill, another gridiron warrior who inspired him to become a player and more.
Indeed, in his fourth season with the Red and White, the affable Philpot is as valuable contributor in the community as he is on the field.
“Jalen certainly deserves it — he does a great job,” said Stamps GM/head coach Dave Dickenson. “He does a heck of a lot of things in the community. His energy is infectious. The other thing is Canadians see his path and the success he’s having. And I believe that inspires young men.”
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The former University of Calgary Dinos standout has been a consistent presence in Calgary schools, connecting with youth through the Stamps’ off-season basketball program, as well as the Football 101 and flag football initiatives, teaching junior high students the fundamentals of football and fostering teamwork by playing alongside them.
Philpot has also participated in the ‘Reading … Give It a Shot!’ program, which motivates students from kindergarten to Grade 6 to read by offering incentives such as literacy collector cards. He’s also contributed to CGY Champs by creating video content that supports K–8 students in building social and emotional learning skills.
Furthering his commitment to youth and inclusion in sport, Philpot supported the Kids Up Front Poker Tournament, which raises funds to help lower the financial barriers to youth participation in sports and recreational activities. He has also taken part in a Canadian Blood Services campaign. Additionally, he serves as an ambassador for the Hike for Hospice, visiting local hospice facilities and participating in events to raise awareness and support for end-of-life care.
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Jalen Philpot
Jalen Philpot says “getting out in the community is something that I really wanted to do ever since I became a pro” football player in Calgary. Photo by Brent Calver /Postmedia
Philpot is also an active member of the Every Yard Counts program, the Stampeders’ longest-standing community initiative. Stampeders players visit the Alberta Children’s Hospital before every home game to spend time with young patients and their families.
“Just getting out in the community is something that I really wanted to do ever since I became a pro in the city of Calgary — just to get out and show face and put smiles on faces,” Philpot said. “Something that I always tell kids when I go help out at these camps or go to these schools is that, ‘I was you at one point. I’m a Canadian guy … who grew up loving the CFL.’ I’m a fan of the CFL and a fan of guys in my community who touched my life and showed me what it’s like to be a professional football player — to have as much love playing the game but also giving it back to the community and just passing it forward.
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“I’m grateful for everyone who’s supported me along the journey and for the chance to give back and inspire the next generation the same way I was inspired.”
Past winners of the Herm Harrison Memorial Award include Rob Cote (2013), Randy Chevrier (2014), Bo Levi Mitchell (2015 and 2016), Joshua Bell (2017), Rob Maver (2018 and 2019), Kamar Jorden (2021), Colton Hunchak (2022), Reggie Begelton (2023) and Marken Michel (2024).
“It’s something I learned about a little bit when I first came to the team,” Philpot said. “Colton Hunchak won it in my very first year. So being introduced to it and being in our receiver room, it was like, ‘OK … that’s a cool little award, for sure.’ And from there, Reggie won it and then Marken won it. It was something that kept staying in the receiver room, so I got to learn about it and ask the guys about it.
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On the field, Philpot has been a key factor in the resurgence of the Stamps offence this CFL season.
Beyond his highly praised blocking and route-running abilities, Philpot is producing both via the air and along the ground. In fact, the 6-foot-1, 190-lb. talent is closing in on 1,000 combined yards — with 732 on 55 catches, 115 on 11 carries and 36 on four punt returns.
That’s through 15 games on the year, although he was sidelined with a head issue early this week in practice ahead of Saturday’s key contest against the incoming Toronto Argonauts at McMahon Stadium (5 p.m., TSN,CHQR 770 AM/107.3 FM the Edge).
After limited participation in practice Wednesday, he weighed in with hopeful news he can get into game action come the weekend.
“Feelin’ really good,” Philpot told reporters. “Obviously, there’s some protocol stuff that I had to go through. It’s just awesome that the team is taking my health (seriously), making that the first thing that they’re concerned about and just making sure that I’m back and feeling good. But I feel really good. I was able to get out here and pass all my tests. So I should be back.”
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