It is good to be king, as Calgary Stampeders running back Dedrick Mills knows well after leading the Canadian Football League in rushing yards last season with 1,409 yards. The reigning rushing champion is determined to prove that his performance was no fluke as he pursues another crown in 2026.
Mills on the Competition
Despite his success, Mills feels he does not always receive full recognition in discussions about the league's best ball carrier. He acknowledges the ongoing battle among running backs across the CFL. "I feel like it’s a battle with every running back in the league — we’re all competing against each other," said Mills. "We’re all trying to be number one — we’re all trying to be that guy. So it’s gonna always be a battle in that position."
Fans of different teams champion their own favorites: Winnipeg Blue Bombers supporters back Brady Oliveira, BC Lions fans advocate for James Butler, and Saskatchewan Roughriders followers stand by A.J. Ouellette. Mills understands the regional loyalties but remains focused on his own game. "Of course, Bomber fans will say ‘Brady,’" Mills said. "It’s always just like the Sask fans are saying, ‘A.J.’, and BC fans are saying their guy. The fans out there are saying all their guys, but it’s always gonna be that one guy in the end. For me to be that guy, I’ve just gotta continue to go out there and work and play my game and do what I know how to do."
Strong Start to the Season
After his first 1,000-yard season that earned him the rushing title, Mills is off to another strong start. In the Stampeders' season opener, a heartbreaking 30-28 loss to the visiting Blue Bombers, he was a standout performer, proving that last year's success was no coincidence. Calgary Stampeders GM and head coach Dave Dickenson praised Mills' performance but emphasized the need for continued improvement. "I’m happy," said Dickenson. "But I think for him, I’ve got to make sure to keep pushing him to motivate him to understand, ‘Why did you have a good season?’ … It’s a combination that we have a balanced attack and our offensive line’s moving people and he’s running hard."
Dickenson highlighted Mills' versatility, noting his ability to run both inside and outside. "He can run inside and outside … and Dedrick’s got to continue to keep doing a good job of that," continued Dickenson. "So just keep working. Yeah … it was a good start, and I’m happy for him. But just keep finding ways to be better and keep making sure that you show up with a plan to get better."
Motivation from Rankings
Mills may find extra motivation from the TSN Top 50 CFL players list released before the season. Oliveira was ranked No. 7, making him the top back, while Mills came in at No. 11. The Stampeders host the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday at McMahon Stadium, with Ouellette and the Riders looking to challenge Mills' supremacy.
