Alumni Q&A with Danny Desriveaux
Former wide receiver Danny Desriveaux played in the CFL from 2007 to 2012, first with the Alouettes, with whom he won two Grey Cups (2009 and 2010), and then with the Argonauts, winning another title in 2012. Not bad—three championships in a six-year career!
After studying at the University of Connecticut (2002 to 2004), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance, he went on to complete an MBA at the University of Richmond in Virginia.
Each year in February, people across Canada take part in Black History Month activities and celebrations that honor the legacy and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities.
In 2026, the theme for Black History Month is: “Black History Month Turns 30: Honouring the Excellence of Black People Across Generations, from Nation Builders to Visionaries.” The theme celebrates three decades of Black History Month in Canada by highlighting the lasting contributions of Black Canadians over time.
We regularly see you on television with RDS as a football analyst—how did you get started in media?
“I knocked on several doors in 2020 during the pandemic, and football was the only sport that hadn’t completely shut down because of NFL and NCAA activities. RDS needed people who knew the sport, and they gave me the opportunity I had been waiting for. The following year, I became an analyst for NFL, CFL, and NCAA games. I absolutely love doing this job. I owe a lot to Bruno Heppell and Matthieu Proulx, who helped me tremendously at the beginning. We have a lot of fun breaking down games together. We complement each other very well and have great mutual respect.”
Do you have a full-time job?
“Yes. The same year I started at RDS, I began working in finance in wealth management, investments, and insurance. It’s a field I know very well after studying finance and completing my MBA. Things are going very well—people trust me, and I quickly found a lot of success. I’m very happy with how things have turned out.”
Have you experienced racism in your career or in your life?
“It’s hard to say I’ve never experienced racism in life or in sports. Yes, I was often pulled over for no reason when I was younger and driving. In hockey, I was insulted on the ice—I was one of the only Black players. Many times, I faced racism and probably didn’t even realize it. No matter the situation, I never saw it as an excuse. My path in life and in sports wasn’t the easiest, but that path shaped the person I am today. Society is moving in the right direction—there are campaigns, education efforts, and cultural celebrations that help people understand that diversity is a strength. It’s encouraging. So much has evolved compared to 20 years ago. A child is not born racist—education makes the difference. I also tip my hat to the CFL for its diversity programs and support for women in sports. These initiatives don’t hand out jobs—they create opportunities, and they are very positive steps.”
As a Montreal native, what did it feel like to be drafted by the Alouettes?
“Honestly, I was following the draft online (at the time, neither RDS nor TSN had special coverage), but I stopped watching toward the final round. Étienne Boulay, former Alouettes safety, texted me to share the news. I had just been selected in the sixth round (43rd overall). I was really happy to finally come back home. I already knew a few players on the team, so I was excited. I played one more year at Richmond to finish my MBA and then joined the team the following season. Interestingly, the Blue Bombers originally held the pick, and the Alouettes traded Kelly Malveaux for that selection—that’s how I became an Alouette.”
Right after hanging up your cleats, you joined the Université de Montréal Carabins as a coach. Did you consider continuing in coaching?
“I was the receivers coach and special teams coordinator from 2013 to 2015. I loved the experience, but I had just had my first son, and in 2015, I had another child. The schedule was too intense with two young kids at home. I had the chance to win the Vanier Cup in 2014 with Danny Maciocia—that’s a great memory I’ll always keep. Football has been my whole life, but I always knew I’d return to entrepreneurship and the world of finance. I feel completely at home in that field.”
Tell me a bit about your family?
“My oldest, Samuel, is 12, and Théodore is 10. Both my sons play soccer; they’re very skilled on the field. I’m very proud of them; they’re doing well in school. My partner, Marie-Pier, works in daycare as a specialized educator. She’s training for the Boston Marathon in April, and we’ll be going as a family to support her.”
What other projects are you involved in?
“I’m one of the donors to the Fondation Aléo to help student-athletes in their disciplines, and I collaborate with Sport’Aide to support their mission. We want to provide young people with a healthy, safe, and positive environment and give them the tools to succeed. I’m also involved as a Carabins alumnus and with the Alouettes whenever I’m asked.”
