Marc-Antoine Dequoy Announces Retirement from Football
Marc-Antoine Dequoy, a prominent Québécois football player, has announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 31. The Alouettes officially made the announcement on Monday, marking a significant turn of events for the player who has spent his professional career with the team.
Career Reflections and Retirement Decision
“I leave with a peaceful mind,” Dequoy stated. According to him, there was an intention to extend his contract with the Alouettes, following negotiations that took place over the weekend. However, after discussing the situation with family, he concluded that his body was not prepared for the demands of the sport.
Dequoy expressed deep gratitude towards the supporters of his team, stating, “I will never forget the fans of the city and all the love they gave me during my career.” He is expected to provide further comments to the media, alongside Alouettes’ General Manager, Danny Maciocia.
Challenges in Negotiations
The negotiations leading to Dequoy’s retirement were complex. They extended until February, coinciding with the upcoming opening of free agency. Despite the challenges, the arrival of new talent, like Jonathan Sutherland announced on January 23, added to Dequoy’s hurdles in securing a position for the next training camp.
Future Aspirations in Media
Throughout his career, Dequoy has considered transitioning into the television and media industry. He has made appearances on shows such as “Big Brother Célébrités” and “Sortez-moi d’ici,” and recently served as a columnist for “Salut Bonjour.” Dequoy mentioned in a previous interview that “retirement in sports is a taboo subject,” making the decision even more challenging.
Health and Performance
The physical demands of professional football played a significant role in Dequoy’s retirement decision. He previously suffered a head injury during a game against the British Columbia Lions on September 6, 2024, which resulted in symptoms consistent with a concussion. Despite these challenges, he participated in 15 out of 18 regular-season games during the 2025 season and contributed to three playoff games.
Dequoy concludes his career having achieved considerable success, including winning a Grey Cup ring in 2023 with the Alouettes. As he embarks on this new chapter, his contributions to the team and the sport will be remembered.
