Edmonton Eskimos' Adarius Bowman, left, eludes the grasp of Calgary Stampeders' Keon Raymond during their CFL Western semi-final football game in Edmonton November 13, 2011.DAN RIEDLHUBER/Reuters
Keon Raymond had two reasons to smile Friday.
First, the Calgary Stampeders signed the defensive back to a contract extension, then announced Raymond was this year's recipient of the club's Presidents' Ring. Raymond becomes the first defensive player to claim the award since 2003 when defensive end Joe Fleming received it.
"It's an absolute honour to be named this year's Presidents' Ring recipient," Raymond said in a statement. "I had a chance to look at the list of past winners and I'm humbled to be on a list with Stamps greats like Henry Burris, Alondra Johnson, Dave Dickenson and Rocco Romano."
The Presidents' Ring has been presented annually since 1967 to the Stampeders player who best demonstrates excellence on and off the field. Raymond was selected this year's winner by his teammates and will receive his ring May 26.
Raymond was a West Division all-star last season after registering a career-high five interceptions. He accumulated a league-leading 237 return yards, including one for 117 yards and a TD in a game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Raymond also had 47 tackles and a fumble recovery.
"We're pleased that Keon will be with our club for the coming years," said Calgary GM and head coach John Hufnagel. "He had a remarkable 2011 season and established himself as one of the top defensive backs in the league.
"I'm excited to see him build off last season."
Raymond joined the Stampeders in 2008, helping the club win the Grey Cup that season.
"Calgary is a great place to play football and to call home," said Raymond. "I really enjoy playing for this organization and look forward to several more great seasons."