Montreal, November 19, 2020 – The Canadian Football League (CFL) unveiled its all-decade team on Thursday and a few Alouettes players received the nod, including receiver S.J. Green, linebacker Chip Cox and defensive lineman John Bowman.
The players were selected by fans, a selection committee, as well as a media panel, during a vote that was held during the course of the past five months.
Here are the players, which played for the Alouettes, that were selected to the all-decade first team (only the years of the decade appear).
John Bowman, defensive lineman (Alouettes and CFL 2010-2019)
John Bowman began the last decade like he had finished the previous one, i.e. by hoisting the Grey Cup, as the American defensive lineman helped Montreal with the precious hardware in 2010. He terrorized opposing quarterbacks throughout the decade, as he amassed 105 sacks between 2010 and 2019. He registered ten or more sacks in six seasons during that spawn.
Decade stats: 169 GP, 105 sacks, 354 defensive tackles, 23 forced fumbles, 1 interception
Decade Alouettes stats: 169 GP, 105 sacks, 354 defensive tackles, 23 forced fumbles, 1 interception
Chip Cox, linebacker (Alouettes 2010-2018)
His speed and his incredible football sense have allowed Chip Cox to amass an amazing amount of defensive tackles throughout his career. 926 to be precise. During the decade, the Columbus, OH native registered 695 defensive tackles, 29 sacks, 16 interceptions, while forcing 19 fumbles and scoring three touchdowns. Those stats alone would open the gates of the Hall of Fame, and they don’t even take into account his first four seasons.
Decade stats: 156 GP, 695 defensive tackles, 29 sacks, 16 interceptions, 3 touchdowns, 19 forced fumbles
Decade Alouettes stats: 156 GP, 695 defensive tackles, 29 sacks, 16 interceptions, 3 touchdowns, 19 forced fumbles
S.J. Green, receiver (Alouettes 2010-2016, CFL 2010-2019)
S.J. Green started the last decade by making the catch of the decade during the game of the decade (see below), which happened to be the first game of the decade. Rarely has a week gone by during the last ten years without one of Green’s catch making the highlight reel. He first helped the Alouettes hoist the Grey Cup in 2010. He added a ring to his collection in his first season in Toronto in 2017. He amassed over 1,000 receiving yards during seven seasons between 2010 and 2019.
Decade stats: 157 GP, 690 receptions, 9,869 receiving yards, 57 touchdowns
Decade Alouettes stats: 103 GP, 418 receptions, 6,273 receiving yards, 39 touchdowns
Ryan Bomben, offensive lineman (Alouettes 2011-2014, 2018, CFL 2011-2019)
Drafted by the Alouettes in 2011 Bomben immediately fit in with his fellow offensive linemen. The athletic lineman helped protect quarterback Anthony Calvillo in Montreal, on top of helping Brandon Whitaker lead the CFL in rushing yards in 2011. He also realized every offensive lineman’s dream when he scored a receiving touchdown in 2012 with Montreal. He duplicated that exploit in Toronto in 2018.
Decade stats: 155 GP, 2 receiving touchdowns
Decade Alouettes stats: 78 GP, 1 receiving touchdown
Nik Lewis, receiver (Alouettes 2015-2017, CFL 2010-2017)
Following a brilliant stay with the Calgary Stampeders, Nik Lewis closed out his final three seasons in Montreal. It was in an Alouettes’ uniform that he caught the pass, which allowed him to become the CFL’s all-time leading receiver. Even in the tail end of his career, opponents had a hard time taking him down, as he would often brush off his first tacklers following a reception.
Decade stats: 131 GP, 597 receptions, 7,017 receiving yards, 33 touchdowns
Decade Alouettes stats: 59 GP, 245 receptions, 2,528 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns
Receiver Adarius Bowman, offensive lineman Jovan Olafioye, as well as defensive backs Jovon Johnson and Ryan Phillips, who all played a season with the Alouettes, were also elected to the first all-decade team.
The following players were selected to the second all-decade team (decade seasons with the Alouettes indicated):
Luc Brodeur-Jourdain, centre, 2010-2019
Scott Flory, guard, 2010-2013
Ed Gainey, defensive back, 2012-2013
Hénoc Muamba, linebacker, 2015, 2018-2019
Fred Stamps, receiver, 2015
Also, the CFL unveiled the game of the decade and to no surprise, the first game of the decade received the nod. The Alouettes lost that contest 51-54 to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in double overtime. The thrilling game, in which S.J. Green made one of the most spectacular catches in CFL history, saw both teams combine for 13 touchdowns. The 105 total points was the highest since 2000.
