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Dynamic defender 'just had to hit the reset button' in finding resurgent season and Presidents' Ring honour.
Published Oct 21, 2025 • 6 minute read
Derrick Moncrief
Calgary Stampeders defensive back Derrick Moncrief sacks Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Dustin Crum during a game this season. Photo by Darren Makowichuk /Postmedia
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The belief in Derrick Moncrief becoming a relevant player again in the Canadian Football League was lost on a lot of so-called prolific pigskin people a few years back.
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But the dynamic defender had faith in himself, as did Dave Dickenson and the Calgary Stampeders.
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And that combined conviction has paid off with a resounding resurgence for the CFL veteran — one that’s been felt by the club both on and off the field in a Presidents’ Ring-winning season for the defensive leader and secondary star.
“A couple of years ago, I think people thought I was done — they thought I was going to retire and things like that,” Moncrief said. “I just had to look at myself in the mirror and dig deep and envision the success I was going to have.
“I just had to hit the reset button,” the defensive back continued. “I pride myself on being one of the best football players every time I lace them up. I try to be the best dominant football player in the league — and that’s what I’ve been doing.”
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Indeed, Moncrief has been a massive part of the Stamps defensive success in what was billed to be a transition season for the team.
In fact, the Red and White (10-7) head into the final regular-season game with a chance to finish second in the CFL’s West Division, when they play the host Edmonton Elks (7-10) on Friday night (7:30 p.m., TSN, CHQR 770 AM/107.3 FM the Edge).
HOW CAN THE STAMPS FINISH SECOND IN THE WEST?
The math is simple for Moncrief and the Stampeders to finish in position to host next week’s West Division semifinal at McMahon Stadium.
They must win Friday night in Edmonton and have the BC Lions (10-7) — currently holding that advantageous second spot — lose Saturday evening to the host Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-5).
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And neither result is an easy get.
Even though the Elks are already locked into a last-place finish in the division, it’s not like they are going to roll over against their Alberta rivals.
“We know Edmonton, they’re dang-near a playoff team,” Moncrief said. “They were a great football team all year — caught on late.
“They were one of the hottest teams in the CFL, and we’ve got to come prepared. We’ve got to come play physical football in all three phases.”
The Stamps say they intend to do just that, even though they locked up a playoff spot with last Saturday’s 44-6 destruction of the visiting Toronto Argonauts.
There will be no let-up, they say, and no lineup maintenance to ensure they are rested for the post-season.
“If you can play, you’re playing,” said GM/head coach Dickenson. “We don’t have any backups right now, anyway. Really, we’ve got a lot of people on the injured list. Guys are playing well, though. Guys are stepping up.
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“Like we’ve had guys out there that haven’t played hardly any football, and yet they’re playing good football. They’re working hard in practice. I think that’s important — you’ve got to carry forward what you’re doing in practice and carry forward the confidence level and those type of things. And whoever gets their number called, the standards are the same …
“Go do the job.”
Moncrief is the essence of such a mantra.
Even though the Stamps don’t control their destiny heading into the weekend — the Lions have the final say in the chase for second place — he’s all about pushing for that win with maximum effort regardless of the situation.
The bottom line is they want to focus on keeping up the momentum they’ve built the last two weeks in preparation for the playoffs beginning Nov. 1.
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“We are prepping for the playoffs,” agreed Moncrief. “But we’re just focusing on Edmonton right now. Just stacking wins one day at a time — winning one practice at a time and winning one game at a time. And ultimately winning that Grey Cup.
“I believe in this team.”
And they believe in him, as they made him aware of with Tuesday’s salute to him as the Presidents’ Ring winner.
“He’s really earned it,” Dickenson said. “As a first-year guy, for our guys to give him that recognition, you can tell he’s been a big part of our success. And he’s had a really good year. His leadership and his work ethic is excellent — he’s one of the first guys here every day. He also shows it on the field and in the community. Just a great person. So proud of him, and happy he got that Presidents’ Ring.”
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Calgary Stampeders vs. Ottawa Redblacks
Derrick Moncrief, bottom left, tackles Ottawa Redblacks running back William Stanback. Photo by Sean Kilpatrick /The Canadian Press
WHAT IS THE PRESIDENTS’ RING?
The Presidents’ Ring has been presented annually since 1967 to the Stampeders player who best demonstrates excellence on and off the field as voted by the players. Candidates are judged on their in-game contributions, leadership, inspiration and motivational skills.
“The players have made an excellent selection with Derrick, and I congratulate him for this well-deserved honour,” said club president Jay McNeil, who is a two-time winner of the Presidents’ Ring from his fine playing career. “Upon his arrival, Derrick quickly established himself as one of our leader. And his performance on and off the field has played an instrumental role in the team’s improvement in 2025.”
The 32-year-old Alabama native was signed in the off-season to bring all that to the Stamps after suiting up for the Elks in 2024.
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“We felt like pretty confident he was a guy we wanted in our room,” Dickenson said. “You never know when certain guys get to a certain age. You try to always bring in people to create a good mix — some vets and some young guys. But I thought he’d do good in our system, as well.
“He’s exceeded my expectations, though. He’s done a really nice job and been a leader for us. But also on the field, he’s been doing some great things.”
In his eighth CFL season, the two-time league all-star emerged as a locker-room leader and has been a valuable contributor on the field with 63 tackles, including a league-leading 10 tackles for loss, two interceptions — including a pick-six — six knockdowns, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 17 starts at the strong-side linebacker position.
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Moncrief has also been active in the Calgary community. He helped coach a Sport Calgary/Calgary Stampeder football camp for new Canadians and supported the PinkPower game, which promotes awareness for women’s cancers.
“First off, I want to thank God for winning this prestigious award,” added Moncrief, a 6-foot-2, 220-pounder. “Without Him, I wouldn’t be here to display my gifts.
“Secondly, a major shoutout to my teammates who voted for me. When I think about being a servant on and off the field, it’s all about inspiring, uplifting and encouraging those around me to help them become a better version of themselves.”
PRESIDENTS’ RING WINNERS SINCE 2010
2025 – Derrick Moncrief
2024 – Reggie Begelton
2023 – Derek Wiggan
2022 – Derek Wiggan
2021 – Jamar Wall
2019 – Brandon Smith
2018 – Micah Johnson
2017 – Joshua Bell
2016 – Deron Mayo
2015 – Rob Cote
2014 – Corey Mace
2013 – Rob Cote
2012 – Keon Raymond
2011 – Keon Raymond
2010 – Rob Lazeo
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SHORT YARDAGE
Moncrief was among a handful of key MIAs not participating in Stampeders practice Tuesday. Others were WR Jalen Philpot (knee), OL Josh Coker (knee), DL Lorenzo Mauldin (ankle), DB Damon Webb (pectoral) and DB Anthony Johnson (shoulder). Concern around the club is both Coker and Webb could miss the playoffs … Other Stamps out for the first session of the final regular-season’s week of practice were WR Malik Henry (illness), OL Tomas Jack-Kurdyla (calf), LB Kyle Wilson (knee), DB Jackson Sombach (ankle) and DB Morice Blackwell Jr. (ankle) … OL Kyle Saxelid (tricep), DL George Idoko (hand), DB Sheldon Arnold (hand) and DB Anton Haie (shoulder) were all limited in the session.
tsaelhof@postmedia.com
http://www.x.com/ToddSaelhofPM
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