The Calgary Stampeders are pleased to announce that defensive back Joshua Bell is the recipient of the team’s Presidents’ Ring award for 2017.

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.

“It’s an honour to receive the Presidents’ Ring,” said Bell. “I’m proud and overwhelmed. I believe who I am as a player is a reflection of my coaches and teammates throughout my career and I credit each and every one of them for helping to teach me.”

In his fourth season with the Stampeders and his sixth in the CFL, Bell served as one of Calgary’s team captains. He started 15 games at safety and had 31 tackles including a tackle for loss. He also had one sack, one interception, two knockdowns, one forced fumble and three QB pressures.

For his career, Bell has played 86 regular-season games and accumulated 206 tackles, 16 special-teams tackles, one sack, five interceptions, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Bell started his career with two seasons as a member of the BC Lions before joining the Stampeders as a free agent. He was a starter for the Stamps’ Grey Cup-championship team in 2014.

In addition to his play on the field, Bell often delivers emotional pre-game speeches to the players in the locker room and he started the practice – since picked up by other members of the defence – of painting his face in team colours for games.

The 32-year-old Texas resident is also active off the field and was recently announced as the recipient of the Herm Harrison Memorial Award for distinguishing himself in the area of community service. Bell is actively involved as a mentor to young men and women and also provides financial assistance to low-income families. Since 2009, he’s been a volunteer track coach at his alma mater – Skyline High School in Dallas – and offers guidance and moral support to young athletes.

“Joshua is a strong, steadying presence for us both on defence and in the locker room,” said Stampeders president and general manager John Hufnagel. “His leadership and on-field contributions make him an excellent choice for the Presidents’ Ring.”

Hall-of-Famer Wayne Harris was the first winner of the Presidents’ Ring and 33 different men have been presented with the award. Henry Burris, Danny Barrett and Stu Laird each won the award on three occasions while two-time winners are Rob Cote, Keon Raymond, Jay McNeil, Alondra Johnson, Wayne Harris, Allen Pitts, Lloyd Fairbanks, Bernie Morrison, Ed McAleney, James Sykes, Willie Burden and Jerry Keeling.

Click here to see a list of all past Presidents’ Ring winners