Tony Playter
Special to the Leader-Post

To many Saskatchewan Roughrider football fans, Don Narcisse is a living legend -- and it's a title he truly deserves.

In 1987, the history of the Roughriders was forever changed when Narcisse boarded a plane for Saskatchewan after being a late cut of the St. Louis Cardinals.

"It's unbelievable that the Saskatchewan Roughriders are celebrating their 100 year anniversary," said Narcisse. "I am very honoured that I was able to be part of that proud tradition for 13 years."

Narcisse looks back fondly on his career in Saskatchewan. In fact, you can still hear the passion for the province and the fans in his voice when he talks about his time playing in front of the world's greatest fans.

"The first time I walked out on the turf at Taylor Field, I was amazed," said Narcisse. "There was a special energy in the stadium with green and white everywhere I looked and I said to myself 'this is what it is all about.'"

While his name fills the Roughrider record book and his list of accolades is long (919 receptions for 12,366 yards, a CFL record for catching at least one pass in each of his 216 regular-season games, a five-time divisional all-star and four-time CFL all-star) Narcisse considered himself just an average guy who had to work hard for everything he got -- on and off the field.

Narcisse, who now owns and operates a mortgage broker business in Houston, still feels a sense of pride when he speaks about Roughrider fans. He has often said he could always relate to the Roughrider fans that made an incredible effort to come from all corners of the province to watch the team's home games.

"I was amazed when I first heard that fans would drive three or four hours to watch us play and then turn around and drive home after the game," said Narcisse. "That is true dedication. It was then that I made a promise to myself to be as dedicated to the Saskatchewan Roughriders as our fans were."

That dedication and passion not only earned Narcisse a place in Roughrider history, but more importantly, a place in the fans hearts.

"Growing up, I never had the opportunity to meet a professional athlete," said Narcisse. "I wanted to give back to the Saskatchewan Roughrider fans and the community for all they have given to me."

Narcisse, who was inducted into the Plaza of Honour in 2003, always made himself available to speak at corporate dinners and charity events across the province.

What made him so special to the fans was that he also made time to drop by birthday parties, anniversaries and weddings, as well as, the countless hours he set aside to sign autographs and talk football with his fans.

In an effort to do more in the community, he approached SaskEnergy about sponsoring some of his appearances. Together, they created the highly successful SaskEnergy Catch for Kids Program.

"SaskEnergy put me on the map and took my vision to a whole new level with the Catch for Kids program," said Narcisse. "I believe you have to give to receive, that's what it is all about."

Narcisse, a member of Saskatchewan's 1989 Grey Cup championship team, is still a Roughrider hero today as he takes time to visit with close to 3,000 Roughrider fans on his Facebook page.

If you ask any Roughrider fan, they will tell that there is no one more deserving to be entering the Canadian Football Hall of Fame than Don Narcisse.

It is very fitting that the ceremony will be held in Saskatchewan, the home of his greatest triumphs, and where he is still a legend in the hearts of Roughrider fans.


courtesy of www.leaderpost.com