Edmonton Eskimos long snapper Ryan King is the club’s nominee for the 2018 Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award, given annually to the CFL player who best demonstrates the attributes of Canada’s veterans: strength, perseverance, courage, comradeship and contribution to their community.
The award also recognizes Jake Gaudaur – the longest-standing CFL Commissioner and a distinguished veteran of World War II.
Ryan’s daily interactions with business operations staff and his appreciation shown to everyone involved in creating a positive game-day experience at The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium is a true testament to his character. It’s not uncommon to see Ryan go out of his way to say hello, shake hands and learn game-day staff members’ names and to thank them for the work they do to help him and his teammates succeed on the field.
The Sherwood Park native is currently in his seventh season after returning from a season-ending injury, and what could have very well been a career ending injury, in 2017. King’s mental strength, internal drive and dedication to his rehabilitation is a true testament to his commitment to his team and teammates. From the moment Ryan stepped back on the field in June 2018, Ryan has been the same “Mr. Consistency” for his teammates.
Since joining the Eskimos in 2012, Ryan has been one of the club’s most active community ambassadors. This year alone, Ryan has been an ambassador for the TELUS Wise anti-bullying program, is a consistent figure with the numerous Eskimos tackle and flag football initiatives and has shared his journey to becoming a professional athlete to thousands of youth at several school assemblies.
In addition to his club community outreach this year, Ryan became an athlete ambassador for KidSport Edmonton and launched Kings Kids. Kings Kids introduces KidSport kids who live in vulnerable situations to the game of football, grow the game of football, and to create a positive experience for KidSport kids. Ryan believes that sport is something that every kid should have the opportunity to experience, no matter their socioeconomic status.
This year’s Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award recipient – chosen from the field of nine nominees, one from each CFL club – will be honoured during the Shaw CFL Awards on Thursday, Nov. 22 at the Winspear Centre in Edmonton.