The Calgary Stampeders are pleased to announce that Rob Cote is the recipient of the team’s Presidents’ Ring award for 2013. The veteran fullback and Cochrane native becomes the first born-and-raised Albertan to win the honour since Raymond’s Lloyd Fairbanks was presented the Presidents’ Ring in 1991.
“I am shocked and honoured to win what is such a huge award in Stamps history,” said Cote. “I was fortunate enough to play with some of the great players who previously won the Presidents’ Ring and many others I watched play growing up as a Stamps fan. This award means a lot to me and I thank my teammates for their support.”
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. Cote will formally receive his ring at Fanfest on May 24.
>> Video: Presidents’ Ring presentation
Cote, who has been with the Stampeders since 2007, made 16 starts at fullback for the Stamps in 2013 and his blocking work was an important component of running back Jon Cornish’s successful season, which included a second consecutive rushing title and the Most Outstanding Player award. Cote also contributed eight catches for 75 yards and one touchdown, three carries for five yards and nine special-teams tackles.
In seven seasons with the Stampeders, Cote has played 111 regular-season games as well as nine playoff contests and was a member of the Stamps’ Grey Cup-winning team in 2008. Cote has 71 career catches for 775 yards and nine touchdowns as well as 39 rushing yards and 58 special-teams tackles.
Cote was the Stamps’ nominee for the Tom Pate award in 2013 for his contributions to the team and the community. He has been the Stamps’ official spokesman for Hospice Calgary since 2009 and is involved in many other charitable causes year-round.
“Rob is a credit to both the Stampeders and his hometown of Cochrane,” said Stampeders president Gordon Norrie. “He is a true local-boy-makes-good success story and I congratulate him for this prestigious and very well-deserved honour.”
The Presidents’ Ring was established 47 years ago. Hall-of-Famer Wayne Harris was the first winner of the honour and 30 different men have been presented with the award. Henry Burris, Danny Barrett and Stu Laird won the award on three occasions while two-time winners are Keon Raymond, Jay McNeil, Alondra Johnson, Harris, Allen Pitts, Fairbanks, Bernie Morrison, Ed McAleney, James Sykes, Willie Burden and Jerry Keeling.
>> Full list of past recipients