A HARD CALL: Antoine Pruneau talks about shifting from the Purple Blacks to the training function

1. Ottawa Redblacks
2. soccer
3. CFL

Ottawa Redblacks defenseman Antoine Pruneau attended the tip of season media availability at TD Park on Sunday, November 21, 2021. Photograph through Ashley Fraser /POSTMEDIA NETWORK

A couple of days in the past Antoine Pruneau had a modest panic assault; He were given emotional as he mirrored at the choice he had simply made: to renounce from the CFL to grow to be a Canadian school soccer trainer.

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It wasn’t just like the 33-year-old firstly meant to ban enjoying. Then finishing the 2022 season — most commonly in a extra defensive again function, with plethora of date on particular groups — Pruneau let the Redblacks know what his expectancies may well be upon his go back. Because the offseason improved, it changed into obvious that the Purple Blacks may now not ship what he sought after or wanted.

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Then just lately accepting an deal from the College of Montreal carbines to grow to be their laborer defensive coordinator, Pruneau, an established Redblacks protection participant, nonetheless had doubts. He used to be crushed through the enormity of his choice: he idea, “What did I just do?”

“I had spoken to a few (CFL) teams,” Pruneau mentioned throughout a Zoom name early Friday afternoon. “(Former Redblacks coach/now with BC Lions) Rick Campbell was one of the first guys (that I spoke to). There were great offers, great opportunities. But as soon as I started to retire and there was a vacancy in Montreal, I (Carabins head coach) contacted Marco (Iadeluca). He’s such a fantastic human being – him and Denis Touchette, who is in charge of defence. I knew this was a very good opportunity for me. Could I have played a few more years? Certainly. I went back and forth, but I’m really comfortable with my decision.”

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Pruneau used to be requested if he nonetheless idea he may get started within the CFL.

“Absolutely,” he mentioned. “Because it’s my decision (to retire) there is a bit of comfort in knowing I could still have played football. But I won’t lie, it’s going to be super hard to watch a football game. I will always compare myself (to other players). What I will miss the most is probably the physicality. But it will also be fun to be able to walk to my car without assistance after a game.”

Pruneau ended his CFL profession because the Redblacks’ all-time chief in video games performed (122) and 448 general tackles (374 on protection and 74 on particular groups), plus 10 interceptions, 4 sacks and 4 compelled fumbles. Endmost season, Pruneau performed all 18 video games with 18 defensive tackles and 13 extra on particular groups.

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Since he used to be decided on fourth general through the College of Montreal within the 2014 CFL draft, the Redblacks have been everybody Pruneau knew. For 8 seasons he used to be an excellent football participant, a robust chief within the dressing room and a stunning consultant of the staff’s core values. One in all his strengths has all the time been his dating with population, the type of issues that endear an athlete to a staff’s fanatics.

“When you go out onto the pitch after games, you really make a special connection with the fan base,” Pruneau mentioned. “It can be as simple as giving an autograph to a child. Often these children become soccer players themselves. A few more years and I might have played with some of the kids I autographed. My relationship with the city does not end with my retirement. Even though I’m in Montreal, I’m sticking with it (in Ottawa). It was a special ride and I’m really happy that people accepted me the way they did. I’ve always tried to be myself. Every interaction was very special; People sometimes don’t realize how much it means to have their encouragement and support.”

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When requested what had modified since Would possibly 13, 2014, when the Purple Blacks named his title a submit nearest Toronto Argos-drafted receiver Anthony Coombs, Pruneau laughed and mentioned, “Well… I speak English now, that’s one thing.” . I don’t suppose I’ve modified extra. I’ve no doubt matured a little, however I nonetheless have my foolish aspect. My priorities don’t seem to be the similar, issues have developed. I’ve a people now, so I’ve realized to take charge of others and now not simply myself.”

When requested concerning the ups and downs of his CFL profession, he mentioned, “Almost more than our first Gray Cup win, it was our first Gray Cup (2015 appearance) in Winnipeg. That was something special. Being in Toronto with my family (and winning 2016) was very special. We had the parade in Ottawa, the weather was bad. The timing was like, there won’t be anyone (at the parade). But it was full. Children stayed home from school (to be there). Even when I got my first job, it was something very special. The last few years have been extremely difficult on the pitch. We didn’t win, but I can tell you that. I enjoyed going to work every day, even if my situation wasn’t great. It’s been a blessing to work for (Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group), it’s been a blessing to walk into that building every day. It’s going to feel a bit awkward (not being around the Redblacks), but I’m moving on to big things. That’s what I’m concentrating on now.”

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