From Grey Cup champion to coach

I started playing very late, when I was 17 years old back home in Chicoutimi. I never really thought I would play university ball. I only played because I loved it. When it came time to choose a university, coaches started calling me and I got a call from Concordia.

I decided to visit and fell in love with the school and coaching staff. I didn’t speak English at the time but I felt really comfortable at Concordia and it became my first choice.

I played for the Stingers for four years. We had such a close-knit team, especially during my last year when we made it all the way to the Vanier Cup, when we played the Saskatchewan Huskies at Toronto’s Skydome. I have so many good memories.

Before joining the Montreal Alouettes, you signed with the Cleveland Browns.

I signed as a free agent with the Browns in 1999. I attended regular training camp but was released after their second preseason game. The NFL was an eye-opening experience. You realize how much money is involved and how they don't leave anything to chance.

Then you joined the ‘Als’.

Like playing university ball, at first I didn’t think about the pros. Then I had a good discussion with one of my coaches, Gerry McGrath. He made me realize I would likely get drafted. And I was drafted by Montreal in the first round. I still remember receiving the call back home with my parents in Chicoutimi. I was like, ‘Wow, what just happened?’ It was surreal.

What is it like winning a Grey Cup?

I still get chills remembering the Grey Cup parade in Montreal in 2002, then bringing the cup home to Chicoutimi. It was special for my parents as well. They had always followed my career and had come to watch me play in Montreal. It really was a dream come true.

You retired in 2007. How difficult a decision was that to make?

I struggled with it for a few weeks, but once I made the decision, I actually felt relief. Injuries were taking a toll on the way I was performing. I don't think I was ready to deal with another season of ups and downs. It also takes a toll on you mentally — when you can't go out there on a regular basis and play well.

How did your time at Concordia help shape you and your career?

My time at Concordia is a really big part of who I am. One thing I realized at Concordia is how important the people you meet during those formative years can be.

Caring is important for success and is sometimes underestimated. I am thankful for good people like Stingers coaches Gerry McGrath and Pat Sheahan [BSc 78, GrDip 81, MA 99], who helped me learn and fend for myself. I always knew there was someone there if I needed help.

This is also what I've been trying to emulate at Collège Sainte-Anne de Lachine. My athletes need to learn to do things for themselves but they know I’m in their corner. I always had that when I was at Concordia.