Patrick Levels. That’s a name we feel like we’ve been hearing for many years in the Canadian Football League. At the age of 26, Pat looks like a veteran in our league. After only three seasons in the CFL, the Dallas-born footballer already has an impressive record:
- 2017: Participated in the Grey Cup Final
- 2018: Won the Grey Cup
- 2019: Participated in the Eastern Semi-Final and was named to the East Division All-Star team
Over the years, our defensive back has had his share of honors and accolades. After a stellar senior at Roosevelt High School in Dallas, he was named the Associated Press’ Class 3A defensive player. Then, he played for his home state Baylor University Bears for 6 seasons between 2013-2016, where he was given the nickname “The Destructor” by his coaches. During his final season at Baylor, he was named to the All-Big 12’s Second Team.
Another one of his coaches gave him a funny nickname. Todd Howard, the Alouettes’ linebackers coach in 2019 said:
“If he had to be an animal, he would be the Tasmanian devil. He’s everywhere and is always full of fight and energy”.
In 2017, he signs his first Canadian contract with the Calgary Stampeders, a very confident team that has been fighting for the title year after year. He suits up for 12 games in his rookie year and helps his team reach the Grey Cup final, collecting along the way a total of 20 defensive tackles. Unfortunately, the Stamps don’t get the title, but redeem themselves the following year when Calgary wins the Cup against Ottawa REDBLACKS. That season, “Spider Pat” participates in 13 games, recording 30 defensive tackles and 1 interception.
These two first seasons are enough to grab the attention of the other teams in the CFL, and during the 2019 Free Agency, Levels is one of the most sought-after players. And our Alouettes are the lucky ones to get their hands on him first.
The Texan flourishes in Montreal in 2019. He suits up for 18 games, amassing a staggering 86 tackles, 5 quarterback sacks et 2 forced fumbles. These stats don’t go unnoticed and earn him a spot on the East Division All-Star team.
“Spider Pat” is known for his speed and explosiveness. He excels as a defensive back and can play at the linebacker position, all while being able to get to the quarterback at a baffling speed. He’s versatile, and coaches love that.
“Pat brings so much energy. He only knows one speed – the fastest one – and that’s contagious. There are a few players on which I can rely to establish standards at practice, and Pat is one of them. He loves the competition; He wants to be in all the plays. We have to slow him down sometimes, but I’d rather that than the opposite. I’m thrilled he’s back on our defence this year. He should be even better than in 2019, and that’s very telling,” adds Alouettes Head Coach Khari Jones.
The team’s new defensive coordinator Barron Miles hasn’t had the chance to work with him yet, but he can’t hide his excitement to have him on his squad.
“I don’t know him personally, but I heard he’s a great guy and that he wishes his teammates have the same passion as him. As a coach, that’s music to my ears. I’m just going to have to guide him in the right direction, and he’ll do the rest. He’s a ball of energy and enthusiasm. He loves the game, whether it’s a practice or on game day.”
At only 26 years old, Patrick Levels will enter his fourth season in the Canadian Football League. He will have the chance to evolve within a defensive unit composed of star players with whom he will continue his ascent. There is no doubt that the number 3 will continue to be a constant threat to the opposing offences!
