Montreal Alouettes veteran Dahrran Diedrick has died at the age of 44.
As a running back with the Alouettes from 2006 to 2013, Diedrick won two Grey Cups with the team in 2009 and 2010. He briefly returned to the team in 2014.
Diedrick had also been battling cancer for several years, and complications related to his illness led to his death at the Toronto General Hospital shortly after 2 a.m., Saturday, while surrounded by family and friends.
In 130 career CFL games, he covered 872 yards and landed six touchdowns on 179 carries.
“Dahrran was a very good friend of mine in the locker room, and we kept in touch after our careers,” said Alouettes Football Operations Director Eric Deslauriers in a Saturday press release.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats linebacker Carl-Olivier Primé, left, and fullback Dahrran Diedrick pray on the field prior to an indoor practice Friday November 22, 2013 in Moose Jaw. The Tiger-Cats will face the Saskatchewan Roughriders Sunday in the 101st CFL Grey Cup. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Deslauriers played with Diedrick for eight seasons during his time on the team.
“I remember a very physical player when he had the ball,” he added. “No one could take it away from him. My thoughts are with his loved ones and his family, my heart is very heavy right now.”
“We formed a brotherhood that can never be broken in Montreal,” wrote another former Alouette, Reginald “Reggie” Hunt, to social media. “You were a good person. A good friend. And you will be missed for sure. Thank you for being a part of some of my favourite memories.”
Diedrick, who also won a Grey Cup during his rookie season in 2005 with Edmonton, spent time in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers, Green Bay Packers and Washington.
His friends told CTV he was a force on the field and off, and that he was motivated to help others and motivate young people.
“His loyalty, is compassion, and his selflessness are things I will remember about him,” said Selwyn Pieters, a Toronto-based lawyer who was close friends with Diedrick, spending his last days with him in hospital.
He says he got a call from Diedrick’s mother to tell him the news.”His partner was there and friends were there, and other family members were there,” he said, adding that Diedrick’s final moments were peaceful.
“He is remembered for his collegiality with the other players, and a mentor for junior players,” he added.
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