Pro football is a cut-throat business and the Dallas Cowboys proved there was no room for sentiment on Thursday, announcing the team would be parting ways with veteran long snapper L.P. Ladouceur after 16 years.
Ladouceur will be allowed to walk in free agency as the team has signed Jake McQuaide to replace him. The Canadian departs from America’s team with 252 career appearances, just three games shy of breaking Jason Witten’s record for most games played as a Cowboy.
A fourth round pick of the now-defunct Ottawa Renegades, Ladouceur’s first NFL contract came with the New Orleans Saints following the 2005 draft. He was waived in late August and the Cowboys signed the Montreal native in September.
In the ensuing 16 seasons, Ladouceur never missed a snap and was selected to one Pro Bowl in 2014. The 40-year old set the record for most NFL games played by a Canadian in December, receiving praise from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Though the market for 40-year old long snappers is slim, Ladouceur won’t be left wanting for cash, having earned close to $14 million during his time south of the line.
