Montreal Alouettes centre Luc Brodeur-Jourdain will play the final game of his career on Thursday, July 4, as the Alouettes host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the club’s season opener at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, starting at 7:30 p.m.

The 36-year-old will hang up his cleats following what will be the 168th game of his illustrious twelve-season career, which he spent entirely in Montreal.

“It’s not an easy decision to make, but my role as a mentor over the past few seasons have made me realize that there is a life after my playing career and it’s time for me to see to it,” said the former Université Laval Rouge et Or player. “Obviously, Thursday’s game will be emotional for me, but I could not ask for a better scenario as I will be able to play my last game in front of our fans. Not every player has the luxury of knowing that they will jump on the field one last time.”

“There are so many people I would like to thank that have allowed to live my dream of becoming a professional athlete in my home province and town, starting with my family which always supported me, as well as the Wetenhall family, our management, our coaches, my teammates, past and present and the mentors I had along the way, as well as the fans without who none of this would have been possible,” added Brodeur-Jourdain.

The Saint-Hyacinthe, QC native demonstrated perseverance throughout his career, as he was chosen with the last pick of the 2008 CFL Canadian Draft. All of this was highlighted when he won the Jake Gaudaur Veteran’s Award in 2017. The honour has been awarded every year since 2010 to a Canadian CFL player who best demonstrates the attributes of Canada’s veterans: strength, perseverance, courage, comradeship and contribution to Canadian communities.

During his career, Brodeur-Jourdain started 126 games, mostly at centre, where he helped his hometown team win back-to-back Grey Cups on 2009 and 2010. In 2015, Brodeur-Jourdain was voted the Alouettes Most Outstanding Canadian player, two years after getting the nod as the team’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman. In 2012 and 2014, he was elected to the East Division All-Star Team.

“Today we hilight the career of a great athlete who gave it his all on the field, but mostly an extraordinary human being who has always represented his family, his team and his city the right way,” said Alouettes President and CEO Patrick Boivin. “As much as Luc was dedicated on the field, no one can really grasp the number of hours he spent in schools inspiring our youth, as well as the countless hours he spent meeting our fans.”

“Luc will always remain a member of the Alouettes family and we intend on finding him a role within our organization,” added Boivin.