Alumni Q&A: Catching Up with Former Alouette Sylvain Girard
Sylvain Girard was the Alouettes’ first pick (fifth overall) in the 1999 CFL Draft. He took part in the Browns’ training camp before joining Montreal midway through the 1999 season.
Over eight seasons, the Chicoutimi native caught 122 passes for 1,975 yards and 10 touchdowns in 103 games, all with Montreal. He appeared in four Grey Cup games, winning the championship in 2002.
What have you been doing since retiring from football?
“I’ve been working as Athletic Director at Collège Sainte-Anne since 2008; I’m already in my 18th year here.”
What are your main responsibilities?
“I build and develop our various sports programs. I hire our coaches and advise them so they can grow. We want to create solid structures so our teams can be competitive. When I started here, we had 25 teams, and today we have 80. My main goal is to develop a healthy and safe environment and to get young people moving. We want to provide opportunities where young athletes develop passions they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
Do you still have a connection to football?
“I coach our three football teams here at the college in the RSEQ. After playing professionally, I’m happy to return to my roots with young athletes. I draw on my experience with the Alouettes to teach them to the best of my ability.”
Are you still a fan of the Alouettes?
“I never miss a game on television, especially since the product has been very good in recent years. I attend at least one game per year at the stadium with friends, and I make an effort to go with my students and teams in the fall. We get together and cheer for the Alouettes. After the game, I go down to greet the guys on the field—it’s very enjoyable. I hope to pass on that passion: loving a team and supporting it whether it wins or loses.”
What is your best moment with the Alouettes?
“Definitely the 2002 Grey Cup. For a Quebecer, there’s no better feeling than winning a championship in Montreal. We celebrated for days, and everywhere we went people were cheering for us. I’ll never forget the downtown parade and the thousands of people congratulating us in the streets. Those are memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
How are your children doing?
“My daughter Rachel is at Concordia University, studying Psychology. She caught the flag football bug for a few years. My son Simon is in his first year at John Abbott College. He’s passionate about rock climbing. He was never really interested in football—he thrives on climbing and challenging courses to push himself.”
What advice would you give to a player retiring in 2026?
“Don’t focus on your salary; move toward a field you’re passionate about and success will follow. When you’re in the right place, things fall into place naturally. I wanted to work in a field I loved, which is why I chose sports. I live and breathe sports—it’s a huge part of my life and what truly drives me. It’s important to know your strengths and make sure you use them to the fullest.”
Do you still see some former teammates?
“Yes, occasionally. I always enjoy reminiscing with the guys. In fact, Matthieu Proulx’s son attends Collège Sainte-Anne, so I often run into Mathieu.”
