Former CFL player Marc-Antoine Dequoy has returned to competitive football just six months after retiring. The 31-year-old safety is currently representing Canada at the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world flag football championship in Duesseldorf, Germany. Dequoy decided to retire from the CFL in February due to physical limitations that would prevent him from fulfilling the demands of a full season. However, his passion for competition led him to explore flag football after initially stepping away from the sport.
Dequoy was initially hesitant about joining the flag football team but eventually decided to give it a try after consulting with friends and trying out a few games. Despite taking a break to co-host a television show from March to May, Dequoy realized his love for competition was still strong, prompting his return to football. Known for his successful CFL career, which included two Grey Cup appearances and being named a CFL all-star twice, Dequoy found flag football to be a unique challenge due to its different rules and gameplay style.
The Canadian team, which had to adjust its schedule after Nigeria withdrew from the championship due to visa issues, is now focused on securing a top-two finish in Germany to qualify for the Olympics. Dequoy and his teammates are determined to perform well in the tournament and secure their spots for the upcoming Olympic Games. The competition in Germany serves as a crucial opportunity for teams to qualify for the Olympics, with Dequoy expressing his excitement at the prospect of football being included as an Olympic sport.