Calgary Stampeders fullback Rob Cote is the team’s nominee for the 2017 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 – a former CFL Commissioners and a distinguished World War II veteran.

Cote, in his 11th season, is the Stamps’ longest-serving player and recently tied Nik Lewis for the eighth-most regular-season games played in franchise history. He has served as a team captain for six years including the 2017 season.

The Cochrane native plays the game hard, works tirelessly, is a leader on and off the field and strives to contribute to the success of the team in any way possible. He is humble and committed to his job, his teammates, his team and his community.

As a fullback who also sees extensive duty on special teams, Rob leads by example at practice, is diligent in the meeting room and always shows up prepared on game day.

He also takes on additional duties and serves as a leader off the field to help his teammates and ensure that everything is in place for individuals and the team as a whole to enjoy success.

Cote shows passion and dedication to many worthy causes and does so purely for the sake of those initiatives, and not for any recognition that may come as a result of his commitment. He is the Stampeders’ team spokesman for Hospice Calgary and visits and supports families who are dealing with terminal illness or unexpected death.

Cote’s passion for Hospice Calgary originated with the loss of a close friend after a battle with leukemia, but he has consistently downplayed his personal story and insisted that the focus be on helping others.

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 CFL awards ceremony on Nov. 23 during Grey Cup week in Ottawa.