Johany Jutras/CFL
SHERBROOKE, QUE. — Montreal Alouettes centre Dominic Picard announced on Friday his retirement from professional football, following an accomplished and impressive 10-season career in the Canadian Football League.
The Sainte-Foy, Que. native suited up for the Toronto Argonauts, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Saskatchewan Roughriders, raising the Grey Cup with the latter in 2013.
Picard, 6-foot-2, 310 pounds, was a third round (23rd total) selection by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 2006 CFL Draft. The 33-year-old played a total of 151 games in the CFL, starting 143 of them. He was voted the Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman of the Argonauts in 2011 and of the Roughriders in 2012 and 2014.
“We should be celebrating Dominic’s career,” said Jim Popp, head coach and general manager. “Unfortunately things didn’t work out as planned with us.
“It’s never easy when a seasoned veteran announces his retirement, but we have to remember him for his accomplished career,” he added. “He was a hard-nosed, poised and committed competitor.
“Although it was for a short stint, we really enjoyed having Dominic as a part of our organization the last few months.”
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In the collegiate ranks, Picard played for the Université Laval Rouge et Or, winning the Vanier Cup twice. He was the recipient of the J.P. Metras trophy in 2005, awarded to the top offensive lineman in the country. Picard was named a CIS All-Canadian in 2004 and 2005 and was also voted the Quebec Conference rookie of the year in 2002.
The Alouettes signed Picard back in January to bolster their offensive line depth after he was released by the Bombers over the off-season. He was in the mix to start at centre heading into training camp.
With that the Als’ O-line has taken a hit over the off-season, dealing with injuries and the departures of perennial all-star Josh Bourke and now Picard.
It opens the door even more for last year’s first round pick Jacob Ruby and also possibly 2016 second overall pick Philippe Gagnon.
