Former Montreal Alouettes player Marc-Antoine Dequoy has returned to the football scene after retiring six months ago. Dequoy, now part of the Canadian men’s flag football team, is currently in Duesseldorf, Germany, competing in the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship.
Dequoy decided to retire from the CFL in February due to physical limitations that would prevent him from committing to a full season. However, the opportunity to play flag football reignited his competitive spirit. Initially hesitant, Dequoy eventually embraced the challenge and found joy in the game.
Despite his successful CFL career, transitioning to flag football presented new challenges for Dequoy. The format of the game, played on a smaller field with specific rules, required him to adapt his playing style and mindset. Dequoy admitted that breaking old habits and adjusting to the flag football rules has been a learning process for him.
The Canadian team faced a change in their schedule as Nigeria withdrew from the championship due to visa issues. This adjustment led to a revised playing schedule for Canada, with the team aiming to secure a spot in the Olympics through their performance in Germany.
Dequoy expressed his excitement at the opportunity to potentially qualify for the Olympics through flag football, a sport that aligns closely with his aspirations of reaching the pinnacle of athletic achievement. The competition in Germany serves as a crucial step for teams aiming to secure a spot in the upcoming Olympics, adding an extra layer of significance to the championship.