JUST NOW: UAB Star Shines Bright, Wins CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award
Former UAB standout Rolan Milligan Jr. didn’t make it to this year’s Grey Cup, but the Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive halfback capped his season with a major honor.
Milligan was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player for the 2024 season. After missing nearly all of 2023 due to a foot injury, he made a remarkable comeback, leading the league with eight interceptions. He also recorded 71 defensive tackles and 20 special teams tackles.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be recognized for the hard work I put in after the injury,” Milligan said. “Once I knew I’d recover, it was all about staying focused and becoming the best version of myself.”
Milligan is only the second defensive back to earn the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award.
A JUCO transfer, Milligan played at UAB in 2014 before transferring to Toledo. His NFL journey began in 2016 as an undrafted rookie with the Dallas Cowboys, but injuries derailed his early chances. He spent time on the practice squads of the Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts, making his NFL debut in 2019 and earning his first start before another foot injury cut his season short.
Milligan opted out of the 2020 NFL season during the COVID-19 pandemic and was released by the Colts in 2021. He then signed with the Roughriders and has remained a key player for Saskatchewan since.
While Milligan earned individual accolades, the CFL championship will be decided between the Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Grey Cup kicks off Sunday at 5 p.m. CST at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia.