CFL July Players Of Month

Henry Burris, J.C Sherritt, Chris Williams and Andrew Harris were named the Gibson’s Finest CFL Players of the Month for July, the Canadian Football League announced today.

The four players were chosen by a panel of judges that includes former Canadian Football League players Matt Dunigan and Duane Forde, now of TSN, and Pierre Vercheval of RDS.

After a stellar first month under centre for his new team, Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Henry Burris is the Offensive Player of the Month. Burris completed 122 of his 175 pass attempts for 1,540 yards and a league-leading 15 touchdowns.

Burris’ month was highlighted by a near perfect outing against the Alouettes on July 21. The 37-year-old completed 27 of his 30 passes for 360 yards and four touchdown passes. His performance tied him for the highest completion percentage in CFL history.

He also became the first quarterback to throw four touchdown passes in two consecutive games since Casey Printers accomplished the feat in 2005.

Under Burris’ guidance, the Ticats played to a 3-2 record and a share of first place in the East Division in July.

The Defensive Player of the Month is Eskimos linebacker J.C. Sherritt.

Sherritt picked up right where he left off following a 2011 season that saw him earn the West Division’s Most Outstanding Rookie award, where he finished third on the Eskimos in tackles with 72.

Fast forward to this season and Sherritt is on pace to register 148 tackles, which would ultimately smash the all-time single-season record of 129 set by Toronto linebacker Calvin Tiggle in 1994.

Through five games, Sherritt leads the league in the category with 41.

Hamilton kick returner Chris Williams is the Special Teams Player of the Month.


Williams was a human highlight-reel in July, registering a combined total of 517 return yards, including two punt returns for touchdowns and one missed field goal return for a touchdown.

The sophomore was also a force on the offensive side of the ball, registering 387 receiving yards and three scores.

Finally, July’s top Canadian is BC running back Andrew Harris.

The Winnipeg native and former V.I. Raider contributed 351 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 47 carries, as well as 277 yards and another two scores on 29 receptions.

Harris has been named the league’s top Canadian of the Week on two occasions this season.

(Courtesy CFL)