MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – Éric Deslauriers’ role with the Alouettes reaches far beyond him lining up at slotback and reeling in catches when his number is called. In fact, Deslauriers’ impact can always be both felt and heard.
Since joining the Als in 2007, the Gatineau native has emerged as one of the team’s main vocal leaders who makes sure he is heard any way he can on the practice field and the sidelines on game day. During pre-game warm-ups and when the team stretches, Deslauriers springs into action. Anyone close to field level at that time might find themselves looking up at the sky wondering how a hawk made its way into Percival Molson Stadium.
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More than just reeling-in catches when his number is called, Éric Deslauriers is a vocal leader in the Alouettes locker room. |
“Letting off bird noises is his way of letting us know that he is ready to step on the field and go to work. We come to expect it,” said Als back-up quarterback Adrian McPherson of the player he and his teammates have dubbed the “Bird Man”. “If he wasn’t being wild, then we would know that something is wrong with him. I mean, he got his nickname for a reason.”
As popular a player you’ll find in the Alouettes’ locker room, Deslauriers’ presence is always a welcome albeit noisy one.
“Guys feed off the excitement he carries each time he laces up his cleats,” explained quarterback Anthony Calvillo, who made history with the slotback’s help by connecting with him on his CFL record-breaking 395th touchdown pass earlier this season. “It’s good for the team especially at the beginning of practice when sometimes we need a spark to get into the groove.”
Every great nickname starts somewhere and in Deslauriers’ case it was on the offensive line.
“It actually all started as a joke last year at training camp, but I never thought it would stick,” revealed the moniker’s originator, tackle Josh Bourke. “It has somehow stayed with him and he doesn’t seem to mind it. What can I say, it suits him well.”
The 30-year-old’s influence isn’t limited to the team’s offense, even the Als’ defense gets fired up by Deslauriers’ zany antics.
“Eric has taken on the role of the Hawk and we like to have fun with it,” said defensive end Anwar Stewart who knows a thing or two about firing teammates up. “He’s an energetic guy and he will not change… We don’t want him to change.”
With the playoffs now right around the corner, look for the Alouettes and their Bird Man to do everything it takes to bring a third-straight Grey Cup back to their nest.
