Alumni Q&A with Patrick Dorvélus
Every year, in February, people across Canada take part in activities and celebrations for Black History Month that honour the legacy and contributions of Black people in Canada and their communities.
In 2026, the theme for Black History Month is “Black History Month turns 30: Honouring Black excellence across generations, from nation builders to visionaries.” This theme celebrates three decades of Black History Month in Canada by highlighting the lasting contributions of Black Canadians over time.
Patrick Dorvélus spent six seasons with the Montreal Alouettes and in the CFL. The fifth overall draft pick in the 2002 CFL Draft played four years at Hofstra University in New York State before joining the Als.
What are you doing now since you hung up your cleats?
“I’ve been working in the Parliamentary Protective Service in Ottawa as a security guard for the last four years. I love my job—it requires me to always stay in shape, so I train regularly. I’m also a member of the Canadian Armed Forces and have been serving for five years as a military police officer.”
Have you been on missions with the Canadian Army?
“I just returned from a six-month deployment in Latvia on a NATO mission. We conducted a prevention exercise against a potential Latvian invasion. Taking part in that kind of activity makes me proud to be Canadian. Not everyone has the willingness or the opportunity to take part in missions like that, so I feel privileged.”
Do you still follow the Alouettes?
“I don’t follow CFL activities as closely since moving to Ottawa and since I no longer coach. I coached at Cégep Édouard-Montpetit and at Vieux-Montréal before leaving for Ontario, and I loved the experience. I’m not saying I won’t return to coaching football one day though. If I had more time, I’d go back to football.”
When you think about your memories with the Alouettes, what comes to mind?
“The Alouettes weren’t very well known at the time. The team had just returned to the CFL. Personally, I was happy to come back home after four years in the United States. When the Alouettes drafted me, I was very proud.”
What was it like winning the Grey Cup in your rookie year?
“We played in front of 65,000 people in Edmonton—it was a very intense game. I remember the celebrations; it was a dream come true. I take great care of my championship ring and wear it out on special occasions. That object makes me very proud because I understand all the sacrifices it represents.”
Did you experience racism during your career?
“No, not in football. Everywhere I played, there was always a mix of different cultures, so indirectly people broadened their horizons, which was a great thing. I always felt welcome on every team I played for. I sincerely believe school played an important role in this process. Teachers told us to use our heads and not to judge. For me, that education made a difference. On every team I was part of, I felt a family spirit, which made all the difference.”
Do you think the CFL is moving in the right direction in the fight against racism?
“There has always been a good balance when it comes to involving people of different languages and cultures. With a 65-player roster, diversity is inevitable. People learn to live and interact together. Since 2022, the CFL has created the Football Diversity Program to provide internships for people from diverse backgrounds. It’s a really good initiative and shows how open the league is.”
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