The Edmonton Elks named defensive back Royce Metchie the 2026 David Boone Award winner on Wednesday in recognition of his outstanding contributions to community service.
The David Boone Award was established in 2005 in memory of the legendary Eskimos defensive lineman, three-time West Division All-Star, and CFL All-Star who spent countless hours helping those less fortunate. The honor is awarded annually to the Edmonton Elks player who best represents the commitment to on-field excellence and community service that Boone stood for.
Royce Metchie is five foot eleven and weighs 197 pounds. The 30-year-old from Lagos, Nigeria, has made one tackle, five tackles on special teams, and one fumble recovery in eight games this season.
The Calgary Stampeders drafted Metchie in the third round (25th pick) of the 2018 CFL Draft. Metchie played three seasons in Calgary with 79 tackles, 12 tackles on special teams, four interceptions, and one forced fumble in 31 games. Toronto acquired Metchie on February 4, 2022, from the Calgary Stampeders for linebacker Cameron Judge.
In 2023, he made 72 tackles, one interception, one touchdown, and two forced fumbles in 18 games. In three seasons in Toronto, Metchie has made 231 tackles, one tackle on special teams, four interceptions, one touchdown, and four forced fumbles in 53 games.
In 2024, he made 87 tackles, one interception, and two forced fumbles in 18 games. In the 111th Grey Cup, Metchie made three tackles, helping the Argonauts beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 41-24. The Edmonton Elks signed Metchie on February 11, 2025. In 2025, he made 31 tackles and one tackle for loss in 10 games.
Collegiately, Metchie played four seasons at the University of Guelph (2014-17) with 108 tackles (82 solos, 52 assists), six tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two interceptions, and nine pass breakups in 28 games for the Gryphons.
