«As former members of the Rouge et Or, we feel a lot of pride»
On Sunday, February 7, it is with both feet on the couch that fullback Étienne Moisan will be watching the Super Bowl. His eyes will be riveted on his TV screen, along with his friend and roommate Marco Dubois who plays for the Ottawa REDBLACKS.
Footballers rarely miss this special game; it truly is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. And this year, the big championship hits close to home for Moisan and Dubois, as they will have the chance to watch their former Rouge et Or teammate Antony Auclair compete for the title with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Moisan played alongside Auclair for three years (2014-16) at Laval University, and the pair had the chance to hoist the Vanier Cup in 2016. “We are all rooting for him! As former members of the Rouge et Or, we feel a lot of pride. Whether he plays or not, he is part of one of the two teams who made it to the Super Bowl; Very few people can say they have achieved such an exceptional feat.”
According to Moisan, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have a considerable advantage by playing the ultimate game in their home stadium, a first in NFL history. “Having the chance to play such an important game at home makes a huge difference. I was lucky enough to win two Vanier Cups, one on the road and one at home in Quebec City. When a championship is held at home, it’s so much easier. Everything goes smoother since there is no travel. We are in familiar territory; We know the field, the locker rooms, the gym. Not to mention that the guys from the Buccaneers will be able to sleep in their own beds leading up to the game. All these little details make a huge difference.”
Étienne was not surprised by Auclair’s success, who’s in his fourth season with Tampa Bay. “Antony has always been a serious student, both in school and on the football field. And the best of it all is that he’s remained down to earth. He’s the same guy I knew back in Quebec City and that’s great. He deserves all this success and I hope the Buccaneers win.”
While he patiently waits for the 2021 season to begin, the 26-year-old athlete continues to train from his home in Beauce, where he holds a human resource position for Breton Tradition 1944. He moved his gym equipment from the garage to the house due to the winter and continues to work hard to be ready for training camp.
He said he was pleased with Alouettes General Manager Danny Maciocia’s latest signings. “Not only did the team secure important players with Eugene Lewis, William Stanback, Vernon Adams Jr., Marc-Antoine Dequoy, and B.J. Cunningham, but it seems there is a good team spirit. Every guy I talk to is looking forward to jumping back on the field because they believe in the Alouettes.”
