CFLAA Alumnus of the Year, Indigenous Champions

The Canadian Football League Alumni Association (CFLAA) proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 CFLAA Alumnus of the Year Award, recognizing former players who exemplify excellence on the field, leadership off it, and outstanding community engagement.

“The CFL Alumni Association is proud to honour this year’s Alumnus of the Year recipients, Brett MacNeil and Brendan Rogers,” said Dwayne Provo, Executive Director of the CFLAA.
“These two individuals embody the true spirit of Canadian football — leadership, service, and community impact. The Alumnus of the Year Award celebrates those who continue to make meaningful contributions beyond their playing careers and who demonstrate what it means to represent the CFLAA with pride and purpose.”

Brett MacNeil — CFLAA Alumnus of the Year

A native of Nepean, Ontario, Brett MacNeil built a decorated 12-season CFL career as a dominant offensive lineman with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and other clubs. Drafted 7th overall by the Ottawa Rough Riders in 1991, MacNeil went on to compete in three Grey Cup games (1992, 1993, 2001) and was named a CFL All-Star in 2001.

Recognized for his integrity and leadership, MacNeil earned the Ed Kotowich “Good Guy” Award in 2001 and was inducted into the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Hall of Fame in 2006.

Off the field, MacNeil has served as CFLAA President for six years, where he played a crucial role in advancing alumni initiatives, player education programs, and charitable partnerships. He continues to coach and mentor young athletes through his work with the University of Manitoba, Oak Park High School, and the Winnipeg Rifles Junior Club.

Brendan Rogers — CFLAA Alumnus of the Year

Brendan Rogers, born in Vancouver, B.C., is recognized as one of the most respected special teams players in CFL history. Drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1991, Rogers went on to record 176 special teams tackles, tying a CFL record with seven in a single game in 1994. He played in four Grey Cup championships, winning back-to-back titles with the Toronto Argonauts in 1996 and 1997.

Following his 10-year professional career, Rogers transitioned into a successful business career as a Senior Investment & Wealth Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities, a role he has held for over 25 years.

Rogers has demonstrated exceptional leadership in his post-playing life, serving as President of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Alumni Association, where he has helped raise funds for amateur football programs, concussion recovery initiatives, and local health care causes.

About the CFLAA Alumnus of the Year Award

The CFLAA Alumnus of the Year Award celebrates former CFL players who have made significant contributions to Canadian football, demonstrated leadership in their post-playing careers, and made meaningful impacts in their communities. Recipients embody the spirit of mentorship, excellence, and giving back — values central to the CFLAA’s mission.

“The Alumnus of the Year Award recognizes the lifelong commitment our alumni have to football, their communities, and each other,” added Dwayne Provo, Executive Director of the CFLAA. “Both Brett and Brendan represent the very best of what it means to be part of the CFL family — dedicated, selfless, and continuously giving back.”

The Canadian Football League Alumni Association (CFLAA) proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 Indigenous Champion Award and the Indigenous Community Champion Award, recognizing individuals who exemplify leadership, mentorship, and dedication to strengthening Indigenous representation and participation in Canadian football.

“The CFL Alumni Association is proud to honour this year’s Indigenous Champion Award recipient, Val St. Germain, and Indigenous Community Champion recipient, Chief Kevin Hart,” said Dwayne Provo, Executive Director of the CFLAA.
“These two individuals embody the true spirit of Canadian football — leadership, service, and community impact. The Indigenous Champion Awards celebrate those who continue to make meaningful contributions beyond the playing field and who demonstrate what it means to represent the CFLAA with pride and purpose.”

Val St. Germain — CFLAA Indigenous Champion Award Recipient

Val St. Germain, a proud Métis from Ottawa, Ontario, is the recipient of the 2025 CFLAA Indigenous Champion Award, which recognizes a former player who has shown exemplary commitment to advancing Indigenous representation within the game and community.

A veteran of 14 CFL seasons with Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton, and Hamilton, St. Germain was one of the league’s most respected offensive linemen. He was named a CFL East All-Star and served as a mentor both on and off the field, known for his leadership, professionalism, and advocacy for education and inclusion.

Since his retirement, Val has remained deeply engaged with youth mentorship, Indigenous outreach, and leadership initiatives, sharing his experiences to inspire young athletes to pursue excellence through education, sport, and community service. His legacy continues to strengthen connections between football and Indigenous communities across Canada.

Chief Kevin T. Hart — CFLAA Indigenous Community Champion Award Recipient

Chief Kevin T. Hart, a member of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, is the recipient of the 2025 CFLAA Indigenous Community Champion Award, which recognizes an individual who has made a lasting impact on Indigenous youth and communities through football, leadership, and advocacy.

Chief Hart is a respected national leader and advocate for Indigenous rights, education, and wellness. A lifelong football supporter, he has championed sport as a tool for youth empowerment, health, and unity in Indigenous communities across Manitoba and Canada.

His leadership extends far beyond the field — from advancing reconciliation and awareness to fostering opportunities for Indigenous youth to engage in sport and leadership development. Chief Hart’s influence has been instrumental in promoting inclusion, mentorship, and positive change through the power of football.

About the CFLAA Indigenous Champion Awards

The CFLAA Indigenous Champion Award and Indigenous Community Champion Award were established to celebrate individuals who have advanced reconciliation, representation, and participation of Indigenous peoples in Canadian football. These awards highlight the CFLAA’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, respect, and recognition of the invaluable contributions Indigenous players, coaches, and community leaders have made — and continue to make — to the game.

“The Indigenous Champion Awards recognize the lifelong commitment and positive impact that individuals like Val St. Germain and Chief Kevin Hart have made within football and their communities,” added Dwayne Provo, Executive Director of the CFLAA. Both represent the very best of what it means to be part of the football family — inspiring others through leadership, culture, and a dedication to community.”

(EMJ Marketing/CFLAA Comms)