Former Mustang Andy Fantuz named Grey Cup Most Outstanding Canadian

(Photo: Michael P. Hall)

Even though it wasn't the result he was hoping for, Hamilton Tiger-Cats reciever Andy Fantuz was named the Most Outstanding Canadian in Sunday's 102nd Grey Cup.

Fantuz, a former Western Mustang reciever, caught six passes for 81 yards in Hamilton's 20-16 loss against the Calgary Stampeders and now finds himself in the top 10 in all-time Grey Cup receiving yards and fifth in all-time catches.

His longest catch of the day, a 21-yard reception came in the first half with Hamilton trailing 14-0. 

Fantuz and the Ticats started to find their groove in the second half, as he had five receptions for 60 yards in the fourth quarter alone, but their effort ultimately fell short.

The Chatham-Kent, Ont. native played for the University of Western Ontario from 2002-2005.  In 2002, Fantuz had 1,300 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on his way to being named CIS Rookie of the Year (Gorman Trophy).  In his final season with the Mustangs, Fantuz received the prestigious Hec Crighton Trophy as the most outstanding player in CIS football.  He was a four-time CIS all-Canadian and four-time OUA all-star while being named to the first team all-Canadian in 2002, 2004, and 2005.

Fantuz was drafted 3rd overall by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the 2006 CFL Draft.  He spent six CFL seasons with the Roughriders before signing with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2012.

Over the course of 9 CFL seasons, Fantuz has 488 receptions for 6,817 yards and 37 touchdowns.