After half a year of retirement, Marc-Antoine Dequoy has returned to the football scene, aiming for a championship title. The 31-year-old safety, who retired from the CFL in February after playing five seasons with the Montreal Alouettes, is now part of the Canadian men’s team competing in the IFAF world flag football championship in Duesseldorf, Germany.
Dequoy decided to retire from the CFL due to physical challenges and the demanding schedule of the league. However, the opportunity to play flag football sparked his interest after initially hesitating when Canadian head coach Paul LaPolice approached him. Following some research and discussions with friends, Dequoy decided to give flag football a try and found it to be a fun and competitive experience.
Although Dequoy took a break from flag football to co-host a television show from March to May, he realized his passion for competition was still strong. He reached out to Coach LaPolice expressing his willingness to return to the sport, highlighting his enjoyment of the game.
Having achieved success in the CFL, including being named an all-star twice and winning a Grey Cup in 2023, Dequoy faced new challenges in flag football due to its unique rules and playing style on a smaller field. Adapting to the differences, especially in avoiding physical contact and mastering the art of grabbing opponents’ flags, presented a learning curve for the seasoned player.
Canada’s participation in the world championship faced a minor setback when Nigeria withdrew its teams due to travel visa issues, resulting in schedule adjustments for the remaining teams. Despite the change, Canada remained focused on securing a top finish in the tournament to qualify for the Olympics, with the top two teams earning direct berths to the Games.
Dequoy expressed his excitement at the prospect of Olympic qualification through flag football, acknowledging the significance of the sport’s inclusion at such a prestigious level. With the ultimate goal of reaching the Olympics, Dequoy and his teammates are determined to perform well in the championship and secure their spot in the upcoming Games.