Canadian long snapper Martin Bédard has retired from the Canadian Football League.
The eleven-year veteran was a second-round pick out of the University of Connecticut in the 2009 CFL Draft. He went on to play 179 games the Alouettes, recording 68 special teams tackles.
He also helped the team capture back-to-back Grey Cups in 2009 and 2010.
“I consider myself lucky to have played my entire career with the same team, in my home city and province. I want to thank all of my coaches, teammates, as well as our fans for those memorable years,” said Bédard in a press release.
“The Grey Cups, the parades, the electrifying crowds in Montreal, opposing crowds that we silenced while I had the word Montreal spelled on my chest, are all memories I will cherish forever.”
Bédard was active in the community as he visited numerous schools throughout the province, where he discussed and explained his educational-upbringing, inciting young Quebecers to make the right decisions and to stay in school.
He was awarded the prestigious Jake Gaudaur Trophy for his hard work off the field, which is given annually to the Canadian CFL player who best demonstrates the attributes of Canada’s veterans: strength, perseverance, courage, comradeship and contribution to Canadian communities.
“We would like to thank Martin for all that he has done for our organization. He has been a true pillar in the community, as well as a leader in our locker room. The job of long snapper is an ingrate one, and Martin did it without any hiccups, all while almost always being one of the first guys down the field to make the tackle,” said general manager Danny Maciocia.
