Chevy Thomas has been named the 2025 U Sports Russ Jackson Award winner, one of the highest individual honours in Canadian university football.
The Russ Jackson Award is presented annually to a U Sports student-athlete who demonstrates excellence in football performance, academic achievement, and community leadership. Named after Canadian Football Hall of Famer Russ Jackson, the award recognizes athletes who make a meaningful impact both on the field and beyond the game.
A standout wide receiver and team captain with the University of Alberta Golden Bears, Thomas has built a reputation as one of the most respected leaders in U Sports football. In addition to his on-field success, he is an Academic All-Canadian and the founder of Responsibility 2 Inspire (R2I), a youth-focused non-profit dedicated to mentorship, access to sport, and leadership development.
Winning the Russ Jackson Award places Thomas in elite company and highlights the standard he sets as a student, athlete, and community leader.
What separates Chevy Thomas is not just his athletic ability, but the way he carries responsibility off the field. Through R2I, he has worked closely with youth and community programs across Alberta, using football as a tool to teach accountability, confidence, and resilience.
His commitment to giving back has made him a role model for younger athletes navigating their own paths in sport and life. Whether through mentorship, coaching, or community initiatives, Thomas consistently emphasizes growth beyond wins and losses.
Alongside his playing career, Thomas has taken on an active role in coaching and athlete development. He served as Head Coach for the 2025 Edmonton Spring Football Camp with RAW Sports and is set to return as Head Coach for the 2026 Edmonton Winter Camp.
In these roles, Thomas brings the same standards that defined his playing career: attention to detail, accountability, and a focus on long-term development. Athletes working with him are challenged not only to improve technically, but to understand the game at a deeper level and carry themselves with confidence.
The Russ Jackson Award is ultimately about balance — excelling in football while making a lasting impact beyond it. Chevy Thomas embodies that balance.
His recognition serves as a reminder of what is possible when talent is matched with discipline, humility, and a genuine commitment to others. For young athletes across Canada, his journey offers a clear example of how football can open doors, shape character, and create opportunities to lead.
As Thomas continues his career as both a player and mentor, his influence within Canadian football will only continue to grow.
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RAW Coach Chevy Thomas Wins 2025 U Sports Russ Jackson Award Chevy Thomas has been named the 2025 U Sports Russ Jackson Award winner, one
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