The Frank M. Gibson Trophy is a Canadian Football League trophy, given to the most outstanding rookie in the East Division. Each team from the East Division nominates a candidate from which a winner is chosen, and either this winner or the winner of the Jackie Parker Trophy will receive the Canadian Football League Most Outstanding Rookie Award.
Prior to 1973, the Gruen Trophy was originally awarded to the East's Most Outstanding Canadian Rookie before being retired.
In 1995, as part of the failed American expansion, the Gibson Trophy was given to the most outstanding rookie in the South Division.
Frank M. Gibson Trophy winners
2025 – Devin Veresuk (LB). Hamilton Tiger-Cats 2024 – Shemar Bridges (WR). Hamilton Tiger-Cats 2023 – Qwan'tez Stiggers (DB), Toronto Argonauts 2022 – Tyson Philpot (WR), Montreal Alouettes 2021 – Peter Nicastro (OG), Toronto Argonauts 2020 – Season cancelled due to COVID-19 2019 – Jake Wieneke (WR), Montreal Alouettes 2018 – Lewis Ward (K), Ottawa Redblacks 2017 – James Wilder Jr. (RB), Toronto Argonauts 2016 – Jason Lauzon-Séguin (OT), Ottawa Redblacks 2015 – Vidal Hazelton (WR), Toronto Argonauts 2014 – Tristan Okpalaugo (DL), Toronto Argonauts 2013 – C. J. Gable (RB), Hamilton Tiger-Cats 2012 – Chris Matthews (WR), Winnipeg Blue Bombers 2011 – Chris Williams (WR), Hamilton Tiger-Cats 2010 – Marcus Thigpen (RB), Hamilton Tiger-Cats 2009 – Jonathan Hefney (LB), Winnipeg Blue Bombers 2008 – Prechae Rodriguez (WR), Hamilton Tiger-Cats 2007 – Nick Setta (P/K), Hamilton Tiger-Cats 2006 – Etienne Boulay (LB), Montreal Alouettes 2005 – Matthieu Proulx (DS), Montreal Alouettes 2004 – Almondo Curry (CB), Montreal Alouettes 2003 – Julian Radlein (FB), Hamilton Tiger-Cats 2002 – Keith Stokes (WR), Montreal Alouettes 2001 – Charles Roberts (RB), Winnipeg Blue Bombers 2000 – Albert Johnson III (WR), Winnipeg Blue Bombers 1999 – Corey Grant (WR), Hamilton Tiger-Cats 1998 – Barron Miles (DB), Montreal Alouettes 1997 – Derrell Mitchell (SB), Toronto Argonauts 1996 – Joseph Rogers (WR), Ottawa Rough Riders 1995 – Chris Wright (WR), Baltimore Stallions 1994 – Matt Goodwin (DB), Baltimore Football Club 1993 – Mike O'Shea (DT), Hamilton Tiger-Cats 1992 – Michael Richardson (RB), Winnipeg Blue Bombers 1991 – Raghib "Rocket" Ismail (WR), Toronto Argonauts 1990 – Reggie Barnes (RB), Ottawa Rough Riders 1989 – Stephen Jordan (DB), Hamilton Tiger-Cats 1988 – Orville Lee (RB), Ottawa Rough Riders 1987 – Gil Fenerty (RB), Toronto Argonauts 1986 – Willie Pless (LB), Toronto Argonauts 1985 – Nick Benjamin (OL), Ottawa Rough Riders 1984 – Dwaine Wilson (RB), Montreal Concordes 1983 – Johnny Shepherd (RB), Hamilton Tiger-Cats 1982 – Chris Isaac (QB), Ottawa Rough Riders 1981 – Cedric Minter (RB), Toronto Argonauts 1980 – Dave Newman (SB), Toronto Argonauts 1979 – Martin Cox (WR), Ottawa Rough Riders 1978 – Ben Zambiasi (LB), Hamilton Tiger-Cats 1977 – Mike Murphy (RB), Ottawa Rough Riders 1976 – Neil Lumsden (RB), Toronto Argonauts 1975 – Tom Clements (QB), Ottawa Rough Riders
Outstanding Rookie in the East Division prior to the trophy
1974 – Sam Cvijanovich (LB), Toronto Argonauts 1973 – Johnny Rodgers (WR), Montreal Alouettes 1972 – Chuck Ealey (QB), Hamilton Tiger-Cats
See Gruen Trophy to view other recipients of an award given to the most outstanding rookie in the East Division.
References 2023 CFL Guide and Record Book