Alouettes' safety obligated to serve
Published Saturday October 11th, 2008
CFL Plaster Rock native nominated for league's community award
MONTREAL - A couple of years ago, Matthieu Proulx decided to take a little retreat.
It's not uncommon for people seeking solitude to find a cozy bed and breakfast in a tiny town, but this journey was different.
Proulx wanted to visit the village in which he was born. He doesn't remember much about Plaster Rock, but that's where the Montréal Alouettes safety came into the world in 1981. Proulx's father Marc was an RCMP officer there before later postings took the family to Caraquet and Moncton.
Although he honed his football skills in Ottawa, Proulx is proud of his roots in the Picture Province. He feels his time in New Brunswick played a key part in his being nominated for this year's Gibson's Finest Canadian Player Award, which recognizes players for their contributions to the community.
"I attribute my social skills to growing up in New Brunswick,'' Proulx said. "Any time I go back, it's just shocking to see how nice everybody is to each other.''
Proulx's personality has served him well. His community work includes participating in the Molson Blood Drive and conducting football clinics for cancer research. In addition, Proulx has been involved in several kids programs, including Adopt an Alouette.
The 27-year-old believes pro athletes should take advantage of their platforms, adding they have opportunities to set examples about everything from work ethic and respect for opponents, to healthy eating and goal-setting.
"It's not just about going out there and hitting people," Proulx said about his life as a Canadian Football League player. "I feel there's an obligation to be a mentor and to help kids. When you have the power to influence people, I truly believe you have the responsibility to use it as much as possible.''
Proulx's parents are originally from Sherbrooke, Que. His mother Andrée was a national junior champion in speed skating, and she formed a club in Caraquet. The family eventually moved to Gatineau, Que., but Proulx believes various stops before that exposed him to a variety of community cultures and values.
He feels that exposure led to his being more understanding of others. That flexibility is invaluable in the CFL, a circuit that attracts players from prolific schools like Florida State and others from smaller Canadian institutions.
"It's a beautiful quality to be able to adapt and relate to anyone,'' Proulx said. "That's something I really believe in.''
Proulx's rise to professional football was a blur. He played varsity football for the Université Laval Rouge et Or and also found time to earn his law degree. Shortly after that, he was selected by the Alouettes, fifth overall in the 2005 CFL draft.
He's one of eight nominees for this year's Gibson's Finest Canadian Player Award, a field that also includes Jason Clermont (British Columbia Lions), Jesse Lumsden (Hamilton Tiger-Cats), Adriano Belli (Toronto Argonauts), Arjei Franklin (Winnipeg Blue Bombers), Sandro DeAngelis (Calgary Stampeders), Gene Makowsky (Saskatchewan Roughriders) and Mathieu Bertrand (Edmonton Eskimos).
Whether Proulx wins or not, November could be a memorable month. The Alouettes are the top team in the East Division and Montréal's Olympic Stadium is hosting the Grey Cup on Nov. 23. The award winner will be announced on Nov. 20.
"It's the ultimate award,'' Proulx said. "It's based on playing ability, locker room leadership skills and community involvement.''
Until he was a teenager, Proulx's athletic prowess led him to other sports.
"I played a lot of baseball. I started playing around the age of five until I was about 16. I played shortstop and loved it.''
Proulx didn't start playing football until the age of 18, but he fell in love with the sport, eventually earning a spot with a CEGEP team in Montreal en route to prestigious Université Laval. There was also CFL interest from Calgary and B.C.
"I didn't feel like I had a disadvantage,'' Proulx said about arriving late on the gridiron scene. "I think my body is thanking me for starting later.
"Football for me was never necessarily the objective as a career. To go to university and play was great and I had fun doing it.
"I had the opportunity to live my dream as a student and playing football, and now I'm truly blessed to be playing in Montreal.''
Proulx won't have any idle time after the season. He'll intern for Marchand, Melancon, Forget, a Montréal law firm that deals with commercial litigation, civil responsibility and corporate law.
When things finally slow down a bit, he'll head back to New Brunswick for some serenity and a change of pace.
"It's fun for me to go back. I want to travel there again when I have kids and go camping or something.''
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