For the first time ever, a defensive player is the most outstanding in the CFL.

BC Lions linebacker Solomon Elimimian was named Most Outstanding Player at the CFL Player Awards. Elimimian also took home Most Outstanding Defensive Player earlier in the night.

The fifth-year CFL veteran led the league and set a record with 143 tackles, 54 more than Bear Woods, who finished second in the league this year.

Winning the night's second biggest award, Most Outstanding Canadian, was Calgary Stampeders' running Jon Cornish.

Despite playing in just 10 games this season, Cornish led the league in rushing and was the only running back to eclipse the 1,000 yard mark, finishing with 1,082 yards.

It was Cornish's third straight Most Outstanding Canadian award.

Other winners included Brett Jones for Most Oustanding Lineman, Swayze Waters for Most Outstanding Special Teams Player, and Dexter McCoil for Most Outstanding Rookie.