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Abbotsford’s Bo Lokombo named CFL’s most outstanding Canadian

W.J. Mouat grad takes home one of CFL’s top honours at awards show on Friday
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Abbotsford’s Bo Lokombo has been named the CFL’s most outstanding Canadian for 2021. (Bo Lokombo Instagram photo)

For the first time ever, an Abbotsford high school graduate has been named the Canadian Football League’s most outstanding Canadian.

W.J. Mouat grad Bo Lokombo earned the honour at the CFL Awards on Friday (Dec. 10) in Hamilton.

The linebacker had an excellent year for the BC Lions, collecting 66 tackles, four sacks, three interceptions and one defensive touchdown. Lokombo achieved career highs in sacks and interceptions and the touchdown was the first in his CFL career.

Lokombo thanked his mother, his girlfriend, the fans and the Lions organization for the opportunity to showcase his skills.

“I’m honoured to win this award and to be mentioned with some of the greats who have won this award in the past,” he told the BC Lions shortly after winning. “It was a challenging year for us, but to be able to be recognized is just special and I’m truly honoured.”

This year was Lokombo’s first year in the black and orange since 2018. He was originally drafted by the team in 2014 and played three seasons for the club before pursuing opportunities in the National Football League. He went on to sign with the Baltimore Ravens and also spent time on the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders practice squad.

Following his return to the CFL with the Lions in 2018, Lokombo went on to sign with the Montreal Alouettes in 2019. He rejoined the Lions and signed with the club back in February.

RELATED: Abbotsford’s Bo Lokombo rejoins B.C. Lions

Prior to his professional career, Lokombo starred for years with the Mouat Hawks as as both linebacker, wide receiver and running back for the team. He was named the AAA eastern conference’s offensive most valuable player in his senior year, racking up 1,556 rushing yards and 728 receiving yards to go with 47 tackles and four interceptions on the defensive side of the ball.

From there, he committed to the University of Oregon. Lokombo and the Ducks lost in the National Championship Game in his first year, and then went on to win the Rose Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl and the Alamo Bowl in the years following.

Lokombo and the Lions finished 2021 with a record of 5-9 and failed to make the playoffs.

The CFL’s most outstanding Canadian is given to the league’s top Canadian player and has been handed out since 1954. The last B.C. product to win the award was running back Jon Cornish back in 2014.

Bo’s younger brother Nelson Lokombo - another Mouat grad - also competes in the CFL with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but injuries limited his play this season.



Ben Lypka

About the Author: Ben Lypka

I joined the Abbotsford News in 2015.
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