Dahrran Diedrick a veteran presence on the Alouettes' roster

By Andrew Soong, October 3rd, 2012

Dahrran Diedrick looks back on his career with the Montreal Alouettes as a dream come true playing professional football.
“Not a lot of people get the opportunity and I feel blessed to be able to play professional football,” said Diedrick about his time in the CFL. “I guess I'm just lucky enough to be playing for 10 years.”
Diedrick's career with the Alouettes has spanned two head coaches and two Grey Cup wins since coming to the Alouettes in 2006. He was initially drafted in the third round by the Edmonton Eskimos in 2002 where he was also part of their 2005 Grey Cup team. Last year Diedrick finished third on the Alouettes for most carries and tied for fifth for most special teams tackles in addition to scoring his first career touchdown on a fumble return against Toronto.
However, it was also last year Diedrick missed the first game of the season with a knee injury. Like most players Diedrick is concerned with his health and his ability to give his 100 per cent on the field for the Alouettes in their latest quest for the Grey Cup. Diedrick conceded that he is “lucky enough to be doing the right things to stay in the game.”
“You always get hurt and there's always something wrong [when you play football],” said Diedrick about the numerous injuries that professional athletes must endure over the course of their careers. “I'm still healthy and lucky that I can heal enough to continue playing the game.”
The Al's 6 foot 220 lb fullback has been witness to the trials and changes of the Als organization becoming a veteran member of the Alouettes such as teammates Anthony Calvillo and Scott Flory. Over the years many players have come and gone from the Als lineup. According to Diedrick “the only changes are the different faces.”
“You can make quick friends here and you can miss them when they leave the team,” said Diedrick about never ending trades and retirements witnessed by all professional athletes. “I hope someone misses me when I leave.”