Jamir Thurman would rather campaign for recognition from other players – see: Allen, A.J. – above yourself.
Leave it to Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Corey Mays to explain why Thurman should be the Canadian Football League's Most Outstanding Defensive Player for the 2025 season.
“Look, he minds his own business. HOURhe doesn't talk muchhe's not going to campaign for himself xWe'd probably be angry if people campaigned for him. HOURhe plays any game around him, hWe’ll go out and steal some plays too,” Mays said.
“I understand the statistics and how things look, bbut I need to pay attention to the timing of some of these plays.In important moments, he always plays big. Yesfor this you need great players, and he certainly is. He can also go after the ball.“
The 30-year-old linebacker has 85 defensive tackles in 17 regular-season games, which ranks fourth in the CFL. He made three interceptions, second among all linebackers. The 6-foot, 230-pounder recorded three sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Perhaps it's what doesn't show up on the bill that sets Thurman apart in Saskatchewan.
“Tthis is the captain of the defense, the captain of the team, best communicator, tenacious guy, physical strength. I'm shocked that he hasn't actually received more recognition than he got to this point,” Mace said.
“I think people in this province understand what he brings to the team. and, of course, his teammates and staff. HOURe one of the best midfielders in the league And in my opinion, that’s how it was.”
Last year, Thurman was named a Western Division All-Star, the first time in his career that he was named an All-Star at the division or league level. He has more tackles, sacks and interceptions this year than he did in the same number of games in 2024.
“It was hard last year to play with a torn bicep,” Thurman said. “Second year in the system with Mays, I wanted to take the next step. I think we've done a pretty good job setting the standard defensively. That's why we're the No. 1 defense in the league.”
Some would argue that the Chicago, Illinois native may not even be the best defensive player on his team, despite being in contention for the team's Most Outstanding Defensive Player award. Current CFL MODP player Roland Milligan Jr. has 52 tackles in 15 games and ranks third in the league with four interceptions. Fellow defensive end Tevon Campbell is tied for first with six interceptions and has the most INT yards (205) in the CFL. Thurman himself believes fellow linebacker AJ Allen should be in the conversation.. Leading the way was produced by Malik Carney. 38 tackles and seven sacks, along with one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
“FFrom a coaching perspective, you want to as many of these guys as you can have. WI'd say it's worth asking some of his teammates about the importance and what Turm means to them. I think you’ll get the answer you want,” Mace said.
Saskatchewan leads the league by three points in points allowed per game (22.5), opponent net offense per game (339.2), opponent yards per game (78.2), opponent big plays (34), interceptions thrown (23) and turnover rate (plus-10).
That stingy defense and ability to take the football away helped the Riders earn the right to host the Western Finals for the first time since 2019. Thurman was at the center of it all for the Green and Whites.
