KNOWN AS “MONSIEUR FOOTBALL”, PIERRE VERCHEVAL HONOURED WITH COMMISSIONER’S AWARD
“He has become, to our francophone fans, our game’s ultimate storyteller.” – Commissioner Ambrosie
EDMONTON – The highly respected voice of professional football in Quebec, RDS Broadcaster Pierre Vercheval is the recipient of this year’s Commissioner’s Award.
“They call him, simply, Monsieur Football,” said Randy Ambrosie, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League.
“Pierre has been both football expert and master translator, updating the lexicon so it really brings home the nuances of Canadian football as the game evolves, and communicating in a way that takes fans inside the huddle.”
A former top lineman in Canadian university football, Vercheval played 14 years in the CFL with Edmonton, Toronto and Montreal, earning recognition as an all-star and the league’s Most Outstanding Lineman as well as induction into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
“In his 17 years at RDS, this consummate professional has applied the same passion for preparation, attention to detail and commitment to excellence which made him a great player to his work as a broadcaster,” Ambrosie said.
“As a result, and over the years, he has become to francophone fans our game’s ultimate storyteller, its voice and its face.”
Past winners of the Commissioner’s Award include Wally Buono, Ron Lancaster and Bernie Custis. It is presented annually by the Commissioner of the CFL to an individual or individuals who have demonstrated dedication and made a significant contribution to Canadian football.
“Pierre’s career has coincided with and contributed to an important period for football in Quebec, one which has seen the Alouettes’ return to la belle province and tremendous growth in the number of young francophones playing the game,” Ambrosie said.
The 106th Grey Cup presented by Shaw will be played at The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium this Sunday, November 25th, 2018 – the fifth CFL championship game held in Edmonton. The game is set to kick off at 4 p.m. MT/6 p.m. ET live on TSN and RDS.
The 2018 Grey Cup Festival presented by Shaw continues in the heart of downtown Edmonton – Jasper Avenue from 99th Street to 96th Street – from November 21-25. Fans can visit http://www.greycupfestival.ca for a full schedule of events.