Updated June 9! Als news cont! Wow! Coach Mike Sherman fired!

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Alouettes sign new deals with six players from practice roster.

Montreal, November 12, 2018 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Wednesday that the club has signed six players that were on their practice roster in 2018, including former Université de Sherbooke long snapper Maxime Latour. With the other players put under contract are cornerback Marcellus Pippins, offensive lineman Andrew Erbes, linebacker Jason Hall and receivers Damond Powell and Zac Parker. All players signed one-year contracts.

Latour (6'4'', 250 lbs.) played for Sherbrooke University Vert et Or in U Sports League where he spent four seasons. The long snapper from Valleyfield, Qc. made a good impression at Kohl's Camp last January in Jacksonville. One month later, the 25-year-old receive an invitation to participate in a professional camp in Phoenix.

Pippins (5'10'', 178 lbs.) played 42 games with the Washington State University Cougars, while being a starter for 31 of them. The 23-year-old cornerback recorded 104 tackles, 6.5 for losses, one sack, five interceptions, 19 knockdowns, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. The Richmond, CA native also returned a blocked field goal over 72 yards for a touchdown. Last January, he took part in the Tropical Bowl.

Erbes (6'2'', 310 lbs.) wore a few different uniforms at the collegiate level. The 23-year-old Alamogordo, NM native started off with the Arizona State University Sun Devils, before playing for the Colorado Mesa University Mavericks and the UNLV Rebels. At Colorado Mesa University, he was part of an offensive line that enabled Mesa to average 28 points and 424.2 yards of total offence per game. He earned all-Western States Football League honours and was an all-Arizona Community College Athletic Conference choice as well.

Hall (6'3'', 218 lbs.) was a productive defender during his time with the Texas University Longhorns. After entering the starting lineup as a true freshman, the 22-year-old linebacker started 32 of the 48 games he played in for the Longhorns, finishing his career with 174 tackles, seven tackles for loss, five sacks, three interceptions and 13 knockdowns. The native of South Grand Prairie, TX took part in the Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons' training camps.

Parker (5'9'', 190 lbs.) started his collegiate career with Liberty University Flames. In 35 games he collected 79 receptions, adding 740 yards and one touchdown. He returned 21 punts, registering 144 yards and one touchdown. On eight kickoff returns, he gained 111 yards. The 24-year-old helped his team to an undefeated season and claiming the CIAA Championship title. The receiver from Reston, VA was named to the 2017 All-CIAA Honorable Mention team. In 11 games, he made 34 catches, registering 676 yards and four touchdowns. He returned eight kickoffs adding 135 yards and 19 punts totalizing 212 yards and one touchdown. He took part in the Washington Redskins' training camp in 2018.

Powell (5''11', 180 lbs.) played two seasons for the Iowa University Hawkeyes. In 20 games, he caught 31 balls for 608 yards and five touchdowns. The 26-year-old receiver signed a contract with the Arizona Cardinals in 2015, but didn't take part in their training camp due to an injury. The Toledo, OH native played two years in the All-Indoor Football League and was named to their First Team All-IFL while he was with the Cedar Rapids Titans. He also played for the Sioux Falls Storm.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. New contract for receiver Eugene Lewis.

Montreal, December 14 2018 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Friday that international receiver Eugene Lewis signed a one-year deal with the club.

Lewis (6'1'', 208 lbs.) will return with the Alouettes for a third season. In 2018, his first complete season with Montreal, he led the team with 827 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns. The 25-year-old athlete caught 44 balls and had two games with 100 receiving yards or more. Lewis also proved his versatility throwing as he threw a 61-yard touchdown pass to George Johnson on a trick play against Toronto.

"In his first full season with the Alouettes Eugene continued to demonstrate what he brings to the table, with his effort, his attitude and his ability to make important plays", said Montreal Alouettes' General Manager Kavis Reed. "He is still young and will have the opportunity to play an even bigger role in our offence next season."

Lewis played three seasons with the Penn State University Nittany Lions and spent one year with Oklahoma University Sooners. In 51 collegiate games, including 19 as a starter, he caught 122 passes for 1,569 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Prior to joining the Alouettes, the Norristown, PA native took part in mini-camps with the Cincinnati Bengals and Seattle Seahawks.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Montreal, January 3, 2019 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Thursday that the club has released national defensive back Tevaughn Campbell in order to allow him to pursue opportunities in the NFL.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Alouettes sign former Rouge et Or quarterback Hugo Richard.

Montreal, January 7, 2019 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Monday that the club has signed national quarterback Hugo Richard to a two-year-deal.

Richard (6'2", 225 lbs.) concluded his collegiate career on the best possible note when he led the Université Laval Rouge et Or to a 34-20 win over the McMaster University Marauders on November 24, allowing his team to hoist the Vanier Cup in front of its fans at Stade Telus-Université Laval. The 24-year-old quarterback completed 23 of 31 passes for 348 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 60 rushing yards and a major. During his five seasons in Quebec City, Richard led the Rouge et Or to two Vanier Cup championships, earning the game MVP honours both times.

"Hugo had a brilliant collegiate career and continuously showed progression, while winning numerous team and individual awards," said Alouettes General Manager Kavis Reed. "He deserves a chance to showcase his ability at the quarterback position and we will give him the opportunity to do so with his hometown team, which he is already familiar with."

Indeed, Richard took part in the Alouettes' training camp in 2017 as a guest quarterback.

In 38 career games with Laval, the Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, QC native completed 782 of his 1,145 passes for gains of 10,271 yards, while throwing 70 touchdown passes. Richard was also a rushing threat for opposing defences as he also kept the ball 200 times for gains of 1,228 yards and 30 majors. He is the only player in RSEQ history to score 70 passing and 30 rushing touchdowns.

The former Vanier Cegep Cheetah received many awards while sporting the Rouge et Or uniform, as he was named the RSEQ player of the year in 2014, 2017 and 2018, as well as being voted rookie of the year on the provincial and national levels in 2014. Richard also received second team All-Canadian honours in 2014 and 2017.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Alouettes sign three draft picks from 2018 including Étienne Moisan.

Montreal, January 10, 2018 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Thursday that the club has signed new deals with three of it's 2018 draft picks including Université Laval wide receiver Étienne Moisan. Receiver Richmond Nketiah as well as defensive back Lekab Idowu also signed new deals. All three were present at the Alouettes training camp last spring, but Moisan was a spectator as he was nurturing a lingering injury.

Moisan (6'0", 195 lbs.) was drafted in the sixth round (51st overall) by the Alouettes. He returned to Université Laval to play one final season last fall and helped the Rouge et Or win its 10th Vanier Cup in school history. In five games last season, he caught four passes good for 57 yards, maintaining a 14.2-yard average per catch. The 24-year-old Saint-Eustache, QC native completed his collegiate career with 50 catches for 699 yards and three majors, while making nine tackles.

Nketiah (6'0", 188 lbs.), who was drafted in the seventh round (56th overall), caught 23 passes for 278 yards and two majors last season with the Waterloo University Warriors. During his time with the Warriors, the 23-year-old amassed 996 receiving yards on 83 catches, while carrying the ball 36 times for 141 yards and a touchdown. He also returned 17 kickoffs for 397 yards.

Idowu (5'8", 188 lbs.) was selected in the eighth round (61st overall). The defensive back did not play in 2018, after registering 24 tackles in 2017 with the Windsor University Lancers.

The Alouettes also announced that the following players were added to the roster:

Andrew Bennett (N) WR, Regina
Josh Cleveland (I) RB, Bowling Green State
Jordan Harris (I) LB, Iowa State
Deaundre Jones-Williams (I) WR, Glenville State College
Jamarcus King (I) DB, South Carolina
Damian Love (I) OL, Texas A&M
Lonte Morton (I) DL, Virginia Union
Elijah Norris (I) DL, Shepherd College
Andrew Opoku (I) WR, Delaware
DeQuinton Osborne (I) DL, Oklahoma State
Jake Wieneke (I) WR, South Dakota State

The club also announced that the following players have been released:

Lawrence Pittman (I) RB, Wingate
Drew Willy (I) QB, Buffalo

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Alouettes sign receiver Ernest Jackson to a one-year extension.

Montreal, January 15, 2018 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Tuesday that the team has signed international receiver Ernest Jackson to a new one-year deal.

Jackson (6'2", 220 lbs.) played 97-career games in the CFL, hauling in 364 passes for 4,862 yards and 27 majors, maintaining an average of 13.3 yards per catch. The Rochester, NY native played seven seasons in the CFL with the BC Lions, Ottawa REDBLACKS and Alouettes.

Last season, the 32 year-old receiver caught 52 passes good for 642 yards and one touchdown. In two seasons with the Alouettes, he amassed 1,409 yards on 112 catches and seven majors.

The former University of Buffalo Bull joined the Alouettes in February 2017 after winning his first Grey Cup with the Ottawa REDBLACKS in 2016. That same year he was named an East Division and CFL All-Star.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Alouettes name Bob Slowik as their Defensive Coordinator.

Montreal, January 22, 2018 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Tuesday that Bob Slowik has been appointed the team's new Defensive Coordinator. Slowik worked closely with Alouettes' Head Coach Mike Sherman with the Green Bay Packers, while the latter was the General Manager and Head Coach. 

Slowik, 64, was a coach in the National Football League from 1992 to 2013. He spent some time with the Alouettes as a guest coach during the 2018 season.  Over his twenty-one years of coaching, his teams qualified for the playoffs on eight occasions. He started his coaching career in the NFL on a strong note, winning a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys in 1992, as an defensive assistant. He then joined the Chicago Bears as a defensive coordinator and his team finished third for points allowed in 1993.

After six seasons with the Bears, Slowik joined the Cleveland Browns for one season before Mike Sherman hired him in Green Bay in 2000. From 2001 to 2004, Sherman and Slowik helped the Packers make the playoffs each season and won three consecutive division championships.

"Bob Slowik epitomizes what a good football coach is all about: passion, attention to details and he cares about his players", said Alouettes Head Coach Mike Sherman. "He has a lot of experience and he already knows our playbook as he's been studying it during the off season. We say that good people make good coaches, and Bob is both of those."

The Pittsburgh, PA native was then hired by the Denver Broncos where, he spent four seasons. Following that, he joined the Washington Redskins' coaching staff from 2010 to 2013. He worked under head coach Mike Shanahan in Denver and Washington.

Before joining the NFL, he was a linebacker coach with the East Carolina University Pirates for two years and was the defensive back coach for Rutgers University Scarlet Knights for six seasons.

The Montreal Alouettes will announce the remainder of its coaching staff in the upcoming weeks.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Receiver BJ Cunningham remains an Alouette.   
      
Montreal, February 12, 2019 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Tuesday that the club has reached an agreement with international receiver B.J. Cunningham on a new two-year contract.

Blanc (6'1'', 199 lbs.) will play a fifth season with the Alouettes in 2019. Last year, the 29-year-old receiver finished the 2018 season as the Alouettes second leading receiver with 631 yards on 52 catches, while scoring three touchdowns in 14 games. In 57 career-games with the Alouettes, the Westernville, OH native caught 209 passes good for 2,922 yards and 15 majors. One of the most prolific receivers in the history of the Michigan State University Spartans, Cunningham, gained 874 of his 2,922 receiving yards after the catch.

"B.J. has been one of the leaders of our receivers' squad over the seasons. We are glad that he has chosen to pursue his career with the Alouettes and that he will help our offence continue its progression," said Montreal Alouettes General Manager Kavis Reed. "He is a great role model for our young receivers, while making an excellent target for our quarterbacks."

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report directfrom Als media. Alouettes add Posey, Lokombo and Levels!

Montreal, February 12, 2019 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Tuesday that the club has signed international receiver DeVier Posey, national linebacker Bo Lokombo, as well as international defensive back Patrick Levels. The first two free agents signed two-year deals, while Levels signed a one-year contract with Montreal.

Posey (6'2 '', 210 lbs.) caught 29 passes for 395 yards and three touchdowns in just eight games with the British Columbia Lions last season. The 28-year-old receiver joined the Lions last season, after taking part in the Baltimore Ravens training camp. The former Ohio State University Buckeye had previously played for two seasons with the Toronto Argonauts, with whom he was named Grey Cup's Most Outstanding Player in 2017, following a seven reception, 175 yard outing, including a 100-yard touchdown reception, which allowed him to establish a new championship game record.
 
In 24 games in the CFL, the San Mateo, CA native caught 94 passes for 1,300 yards and 10 majors. Posey was drafted in the third round (68th overall) by the Houston Texans in 2012. He was also a member of the New York Jets and the Denver Broncos.

Lokombo (6'2 '', 225 lbs.) finished the 2018 season with 71 defensive tackles, good for third place with the BC Lions. The former Arizona State University Sun Devil also managed four sacks, two interceptions, in addition to forcing a fumble. The 26-year-old also made 16 special teams tackles.
 
In 61-career games in the CFL, the East Cleveland, OH native earned 106 defensive tackles, five sacks and 60 special teams tackles. Lokombo was a member of the Baltimore Ravens, Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers' practice rosters in 2017, before returning to the Lions.

Levels (5'11, 195 lbs.) helped the Calgary Stampeders hoist the Grey Cup last season. The 24-year-old defensive back made 20 tackles, knocked down three passes and made one interception. He also recovered a fumble. The former Baylor University Bear also contributed on the special teams with ten tackles.
 
In 25-career games in the CFL, the Dallas, TX native amassed 36 defensive tackles, 14 on special teams, while knocking down six passes.
 

[Myk Aussie]

This is great news. Report direct from Als media. All-Star John Bowman back with the Alouettes for two years

Montreal, February 12, 2019 – John Bowman, the Montreal Alouettes all-time sack leader who sits seventh all-time in the CFL with 126 will have an opportunity to make that number even greater as he will return to the team for the 2019 season after signing a two-year deal with the team on Tuesday.
 
Bowman (6'3", 250 lbs.), who joined the Alouettes in 2006, will play a 14th season in the CFL. The 36-year-old defensive end made 32 defensive tackles, five sacks for losses of 19 yards, one forced fumble and one knock down. He also recovered two fumbles, including one for a touchdown. He was also selected an East Divison All-Star and was named the CFL Player of the Week during week 20.
 
"To have John back with us is excellent news for our team. He is still one of the best defensive players in our league and he personifies longevity and excellence," said Alouettes General Manager Kavis Reed. "He is a true leader on the field and in the locker room. No doubt that the presence of this future hall of famer will be a plus for our organization."
 
In 13 seasons, the Brooklyn, NY native recorded 10 or more sacks in seven of them, while registering 30 or more defensive tackles on nine occasions. Bowman also helped the Alouettes hoist back-to-back Grey Cups in 2009 and 2010.
 
Bowman was elected eight times to the East Division All-Star Team and twice to the CFL All-Star Team in 2010 and 2016. In 2017, he was elected to the NCAA's South Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame.
 
In 214 career games with the Alouettes, including 208 as a starter, the former Wingate University Bulldog amassed 435 defensive tackles.

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Report direct from Als media. Alouettes sign Christophe Normand and Spencer Wilson.

Montreal, February 12, 2019 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Tuesday that the club has reached two-year agreements with national fullback Christophe Normand, as well as national offensive lineman Spencer Wilson.

Normand (6'2", 230 lbs.) will have the opportunity to play for the team of his native Belle Province following stops in Winnipeg and Edmonton. The former Université Laval Rouge et Or was a leader on special teams with the Eskimos last season, where he made seven special teams tackles, while helping the offensive line protect quarterback Mike Reilly. The Bromont, Qc native also caught three passes for 21 yards. In 57-career games in the CFL, the 27-year-old made 15 special teams tackles, on top of making 13 catches for 74 yards and rushing the ball 11 times for gains of 86 yards.

Wilson (6'7'', 319 lbs.) played in 108 games in nine CFL seasons, all with the Calgary Stampeders, helping the team hoist the Grey Cup twice in 2014 and 2018. He also helped the team reach the Grey Cup on three other occasions in 2012, 2015 and 2016. Last season, the 30-year-old Toronto native was part of an offensive line that allowed a league low 27 quarterback sacks.

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Alouettes add veteran running back Jeremiah Johnson to the roster.   
      
Montreal,  February 14, 2019 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Thursday that the club has signed veteran international running back Jeremiah Johnson for the 2019 season.

Johnson (5'9'', 209 lbs.) played five seasons in the CFL, including the last three with the BC Lions. In 13 games in 2018, he averaged 5.3 yards per carry after rushing the ball 120 times for gains of 633 yards, while scoring five touchdowns. The 31-year-old also added 308 yards on 40 receptions.

In 61 career-games North of the border, the former Oregon University Duck amassed 3,151 yards on 572 carries, scoring 55 majors in the process. The Los Angeles, CA native also caught 162 passes for 1,415 yards and 5 touchdowns.

"The addition of Jeremiah gives us depth at the running back position, all while giving William Stanback another great veteran to look up to as he takes on more responsibilities in our offence," said Alouettes General Manager Kavis Reed. "On top of being a great versatile running back, Jeremiah brings precious experience to our locker room and we look forward to seeing him in action in 2019."

On top of stops in Ottawa and Toronto, Johnson played for the Denver Broncos where he carried the ball 14 times for gains of 77 yards. He also spent time with the Houston Texans, Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. Félix Faubert-Lussier signs with the Alouettes.

Montreal,  February 20, 2019 – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Wednesday that the club has signed national receiver Félix Faubert-Lussier to a one-year deal. 

Faubert-Lussier (6'1 ", 212 lbs.) played his first two seasons in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who drafted him in the fifth-round (39th overall) in 2016. Last season, he caught 11 balls for 74 yards in 13 games.

The Montreal native played with Université Laval Rouge et Or from 2012 to 2016, with whom he raised three Vanier Cups. Since the beginning of his CFL career, the 27-year-old played 27 games, catching 14 passes for 103 yards. In addition, he made three special teams tackles, while also handling kicking duties as he made three punts that travelled 185 yards and two kickoffs for 111 yards.

"We have acquired a versatile player who can be used on offence and special teams," said Alouettes General Manager Kavis Reed. "Faubert-Lussier continued to progress last season and we are thrilled to add him to our pool of national talent."

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. The Alouettes congratulate the Roughriders and the Tiger-Cats.

Regina and Hamilton respectively selected as host cities for the 2020 and 2021 Grey Cup editions

Montreal,  February 21, 2019 – The Montreal Alouettes wish to congratulate the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on being respectively selected as host cities for the 2020 and 2021 Grey Cup editions. The Canadian Football League (CFL) made this announcement Thursday evening on TSN.

"We presented a very solid bid that highlights the strengths and personality of our great city. I could not be more proud of the team that worked countless hours on the Alouettes' proposal to host the Grey Cup in Montreal," said Alouettes President and CEO Patrick Boivin. "We knew that going up against Regina was going to be a considerable challenge and as for 2021, it simply was not an option for us, as renovation work at Olympic Stadium will very likely be starting around Grey Cup time that year."

"I would like to thank our main partners for their valuable collaboration and input on the Alouettes' bid: Tourisme Montréal, Evenko, la Régie des installations olympiques, the City of Montreal and the Government of Quebec", added Boivin.

"The CFL thanks the Montreal Alouettes and all of their partners for their first class bid," said CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie. "The competition for 2020 was very tough and 2021 was not a possibility for Montreal with the work scheduled to take place at Olympic Stadium. Grey Cups in Montreal are very popular with our fans and we certainly look forward to returning the Grey Cup there in the future."

ABOUT THE ALOUETTES
Founded in 1946, the Montreal Alouettes possess a rich history. The organization has had its name inscribed seven times on the Grey Cup (1949, 1970, 1974, 1977, 2002, 2009, 2010) a trophy awarded yearly to the champion of the Canadian Football League. They play their home games at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, on beautiful Mount Royal.

Charles Rooke

[Myk Aussie]

Report direct from Als media. The Montreal Alouettes release quarterback Johnny Manziel

Montreal,  February 27, 2019 – The Montreal Alouettes have been directed by the Canadian Football League (CFL) to terminate the player contract of international quarterback Johnny Manziel after it was found that he had contravened the agreement, which made him eligible to play in the league.

"We are disappointed by this turn of events. Johnny was provided a great deal of support by our organization, in collaboration with the CFL, but he has been unable to abide by the terms of his agreement," declared General Manager Kavis Reed. "We worked with the league and presented alternatives to Johnny, who was unwilling to proceed."

"We are confident going into the 2019 training camp with a roster of quarterbacks that had played in our system last year and are committed to our team," added Reed.
 
The CFL has informed all of its member clubs that it will not register a contract for Manziel should any club attempt to sign him.

Charles Rooke