For the second straight season a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders has been named the recipient of the Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award.

Wide receiver Brayden Lenius was named the 2023 winner during the CFL Awards on Thursday evening.

Off the field, Lenius has served as an ambassador the for the Saskatchewan Roughrider foundation.

Through the Win with Wellness program, the 15th overall selection in the 2019 CFL Draft has shared the personal challenges he has overcome, while teaching youth about forming healthy relationships, developing healthy coping strategies, and the importance of mental well-being. As part of the Grow the Game program, he supports elite and amateur football through surprise visits, by attending fundraising events and providing mentorship. The programs have taken him across the province, including a visit to the northern village of Sandy Bay – a nine-hour drive from Regina. He champions anti-racism, and serves as the club ambassador for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, while also frequently engaging with Indigenous communities.

Last year, former Roughriders offensive lineman Dan Clark was the 2022 recipient of the Jake Gaudaur Veterans’ Award.

The award recognizes a Canadian CFL player who best demonstrates the attributes of Canada’s Veterans – strength, perseverance, courage, comradeship and contribution to Canadian communities.