| Born: | October 28, 1941 Montreal, Quebec |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| Status | Retired |
| CFL status | National |
| Position(s) | G, OT |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 240 lb (110 kg) |
| College | University of Wyoming |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1966–1971 | Montreal Alouettes |
Pierre Desjardins (born October 28, 1941) is a former professional Canadian football player with the Canadian Football League Montreal Alouettes. Desjardins was an offensive lineman at the guard and tackle positions during his six-year career (1966–1971) with the club. Desjardins' jersey #63 is one of seven retired by the Alouettes.[1]
Desjardins is currently a Canadian businessman, previously serving on the board of directors for Canadian businesses such as Domtar, Labatt Brewing Company, and Imperial Tobacco.[2]
Desjardins was born and raised in Montreal, and played amateur Canadian football for the Quebec Junior Football League Rosemont Bombers.[3] He played collegiately at the University of Wyoming prior to joining the Als.[2]
Following his graduation from Wyoming, where he earned a business degree, Desjardins returned to Montreal and began his professional career with the CFL Alouettes in 1966.[2] Desjardins was an offensive lineman at the guard and tackle positions during his six-year career (1966-1971) with the Als. Along with Pierre Dumont he was one of the first French-Canadians to play for the Larks.[4]
Desjardins, as co-captain of the team (along with co-captain, Larry Fairholm), helped turn around a then-mediocre Alouettes team, eventually reaching and winning the Grey Cup in 1970. Desjardins retired following the Alouettes' 1971 CFL season.
Following his playing days, Desjardins was a sportscaster with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. He also served as an executive with Canadian companies such as Domtar, Labatt Brewing Company, and Imperial Tobacco.[2]