September 2, 2024; Hamilton, Ontario, CAN; Hamilton Tiger-Cats defeat the Toronto Argonauts 31-28 in the Labour Day Classic at Tim Hortons Field. Photo by John E. Sokolowski
The Canadian Football League unveiled today the nine nominees for the Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ award, including the Tiger-Cats nominee David Beard.
After joining the team in 2022, Beard has played in every game, including starts in every contest aside from the one immediately following his acquisition. He is a stalwart member of the offensive line, serving as a steady teammate and a reliable mentor. He prides himself on being available, showing a willingness to help in any way possible, even serving as the backup long snapper when needed. Off the field, he helps organize weekly meals between various position groups to better connect the team and build camaraderie. Beard is heavily involved in various community programs, including Play it Forward, Autism Ontario’s Try Football, Tiger-Cats High School Mentorship Program, First on the Field Flag Football, Canadian Blood Services and Food 4 Kids.
Previous Tiger-Cats Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award nominees include Sean Thomas Erlington (2023), Curtis Newton (2022) and Chris Van Zeyl, who won the award in 2021.
Presented annually since 2010, the award is named in honour of the late Jake Gaudaur – a distinguished veteran of the Second World War and the longest-serving Commissioner in CFL history – who embodied these qualities through his service to the country and the Canadian football community.
The recipient will be chosen by a committee made up of Robert Loken, Paul Thomson and Amanda Barrett from Veterans Affairs Canada, CFL ON TSN analyst and former Honorary Colonel of 417 Combat Support Squadron, Glen Suitor, CFL Players’ Association Interim Executive Director, Peter Dyakowski, and CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie.
The winner will be announced at the sold-out CFL Awards, presented by Securian Canada, on Thursday, November 14, as part of the 2024 Grey Cup Festival. CFL ON TSN fan-favourites Kate Beirness and Milt Stegall will host the evening ceremony from the Vancouver Convention Centre West. Viewers can tune in via the league’s livestreaming platform, CFL+.
For a full list of Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award Nominees, CLICK HERE.
