The Calgary Stampeders announced that running back Dedrick Mills was named the 2026 Herm Harrison Memorial Award on Wednesday for his outstanding service to the community.
The award was named after former Stampeders great Herm Harrison, who played in Calgary from 1964-72. He was a six-time West Division All-Star and three-time CFL All-Star. The other winners include Rob Cote (2013), Randy Chevrier (2014), Bo Levi Mitchell (2015, 2016), Joshua Bell (2017), Rob Maver (2018, 2019), Kamar Jorden (2021), Colton Hunchak (2022), Reggie Begelton (2023), Marken Michel (2024), and Jalen Philpot (2025).
“Giving back to the community is very important to me,” said Mills. “Whether it’s pitching in at a major event or offering a small gesture to help bring someone joy and put a smile on their face, I’m always willing to do it. I’m grateful to receive the Herm Harrison Memorial Award, but I also see it as a reminder that the gifts and opportunities God has given me are meant to be used to serve others.
“My faith teaches me that true impact isn’t always about how much you give, but also about being willing to show up, make a difference, and be a blessing to those around you. I hope this inspires others to do the same and find their own meaning in serving their community.”
Dedrick Mills is five foot ten and weighs 228 pounds. The 29-year-old from Waycross, Georgia, re-signed with the Stampeders on December 17, 2025. This season, Mills has 157 carries for 943 yards, four rushing touchdowns, 28 catches for 235 yards, and two touchdowns in 13 games.
The Detroit Lions signed Mills as an undrafted free agent on May 14, 2021. In 2021, he had 13 carries for 62 yards and seven catches for 52 yards in three preseason games. The Lions released him on September 2, 2021.
The Calgary Stampeders signed Mills as a free agent on January 25, 2022. In 2022, Mills had 67 carries for 459 yards, two touchdowns, and 13 catches for 105 yards in six games. In 2023, he had 142 carries for 802 yards, four touchdowns, 21 catches for 123 yards, and three kick returns for 55 yards in 15 games. In 2024, he had 163 carries for 923 yards, one touchdown, and 31 catches for 327 yards in 13 games.
The Stampeders re-signed Mills on January 20, 2025. In 2025, he had 250 carries for 1,409 yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, and 33 catches for 292 yards in 18 games. Mills was named a CFL West All-Star and to the All-CFL Team in 2025.
Collegiately, Mills played one season at Georgia Tech in 2016 with 152 carries for 771 yards, 12 touchdowns, two catches for 13 yards, and one touchdown in nine games for the Yellow Jackets. In the 2017 Gator Bowl, Mills had 31 carries for 169 yards and one touchdown in a 33-18 win over Kentucky. He was named the Gator Bowl MVP.
Next, he transferred to Gardner City Community College in 2017 with 236 carries for 1,358 yards, 19 touchdowns, three catches for five yards, and one touchdown in ten games for the Broncbusters. Then, he transferred to Nebraska (2019-20) with 227 carries for 1,141 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 27 catches for 208 yards in 18 games for the Cornhuskers. He was a Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2019.
