After about six months of retirement, Marc-Antoine Dequoy has returned to the football scene, this time competing for a championship in flag football. The 31-year-old former CFL safety is currently in Duesseldorf, Germany, as part of the Canadian men’s team participating in the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world flag football championship. Dequoy had retired from the CFL in February after playing five seasons with the Montreal Alouettes.
Dequoy explained that his decision to retire from professional football was primarily due to physical concerns. Knowing the demanding nature of a CFL contract, which involves 18 games, off-season training, and camps, he realized that his body could no longer sustain such commitments. This realization led him to prioritize his well-being and be honest about his readiness to continue in the sport.
Although initially not considering flag football upon his retirement, Dequoy was approached by Canadian head coach Paul LaPolice. After some contemplation and discussions with friends who had played flag football, Dequoy decided to give it a chance. He found joy and a sense of competition in the game, prompting his return to the field.
During his retirement period, Dequoy took on a different venture, co-hosting a television show called “Avec ou Sans Cash” (With or Without Cash) from March to May. However, as the show concluded, Dequoy felt a void that was not just about missing football but more about the competitive spirit. This led him to reach out to coach LaPolice and express his willingness to return to the sport he loves.
Having been a CFL all-star twice and winning the Grey Cup in 2023, transitioning to flag football presented a unique challenge for Dequoy. The game is played on a smaller field with distinct rules, emphasizing skill and agility over physical contact. Dequoy acknowledged the difficulty in adjusting his playing style to adhere to the flag football regulations, especially in terms of avoiding physical contact and effectively grabbing opponents’ flags.
As Canada prepares for the world championship games in Germany, the team faced a schedule adjustment due to Nigeria’s withdrawal from the competition. With this change, Canada will compete against Austria and Japan in the preliminary rounds. The top finishers in the tournament will secure spots for the upcoming Olympics, with the United States already holding a guaranteed place as the host nation.
Dequoy expressed his ambition to excel in the world championship, aiming to secure an Olympic berth through a top finish. The opportunity to potentially represent Canada at the Olympics in flag football holds immense significance for Dequoy, as it aligns with his aspirations of achieving the highest level of success in sports.