Herb Zurkowsky
The Gazette (Montreal)

Unable to decide between law and athletics once he reached a crossroad in his career, Matthieu Proulx decided on the best of both.

The Alouettes safety, in the option year of his contract and uncertain about his future, has signed a contract extension through 2011. And Proulx, who holds a law degree from Université Laval, won't turn his back on that. He begins a six-month internship Dec. 1 at Montreal-based Marchand, Melançon and Forget. That's the final leg of Proulx, 27, becoming a certified counselor. He'll specialize in corporate law and commercial litigation.

"The opportunity to share football and law is great," he said. "I'm privileged the firm allows me to play and work in the offseason. It'll be hard - hectic. But I did it before and I'm not nervous.

"There are no guarantees. It's not like I have to play or (the Als) have to keep me. I'll still be going year-to-year, but it's 95-per-cent certain I'll be back."

Proulx has been playing plenty of safety lately, because of an ankle injury to étienne Boulay. That should continue tomorrow, at Toronto. But he has missed six games this season - two stints of three games each - because of hamstring injuries. That prompted Proulx to question his long-term commitment to the game.

"It has just been coming back from injuries and being healthy," he said. "My body's not breaking down. I can't predict the future, and I hope injuries are in the past. I'm playing relentless ball and not holding back. I'm going full speed. I feel like I did back in college. I'm contributing. I feel important and respected."

Proulx understands he might become a backup again once Boulay's health returns. But with only eight CFL teams, he knows roster spots are limited. Proulx has played well lately - he forced three fumbles and had a sack Oct. 4 at Hamilton - and said the coaching staff will design packages to get him on the field.

The 6-foot-1, 211-pounder was the Als' first-round (fifth overall) draft choice in 2005. Proulx was the East Division nominee as outstanding rookie that season.

Courtesy: www.montrealgazette.com