January 6, 2010

Player profile: Diamond Ferri

By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com

Since joining the Alouettes in 2007, Diamond Ferri has been a sight for sore eyes both and off the field. Always the entertainer, Ferri has established himself as a valuable asset for defensive coordinator Tim Burke’s system that compliments speed and agility. MontrealAlouettes.com caught up with #40.

What’s your favourite part about playing in Montreal?
I’d have to say that my favourite part about playing in Montreal is definitely our great fan base. When we’re winning the way we have been all season, the fans get really into it which makes it a lot more exciting for us on the field. I also think the tradition surrounding the team is great, whenever I walk into the locker room and see all the retired jerseys hanging around…it’s a really great feeling to be a part of something like this.

Another thing I love about this city is the French. My fiancé and I are actually learning how to speak it – J’aime le français!

Diamond is a really interesting name, is there a story behind it?
Actually, when I was born, my mother thought of me as her prized jewel – so she called me Diamond! Now that I’ve grown up, I also think I’ve grown into the name. It really shows how I am as a person – really hard and tough on the outside, but I’m also seen as a bit of a softie. Plus, I get tones of compliments about it.

How do you think the fans have been all season?
Our fans have been incredible all season long. They make for a really exciting game when they make all that noise; they basically become our 13th man! A lot of people say that Saskatchewan has the best fans, but I think ours are better!

Do you do anything special in the off-season?
During the off-season, I stay in Montreal all winter. I try and work on my French with my wife and do a lot of community work for the team.