Speaker, motivator, motivation conference
Highlights of his outstanding career include 14 all-star nominations: eight divisional and six as a CFL all-star. This earned him the distinction of being the first francophone ever to be inducted in to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
Pierre Vercheval played in four Grey Cup finals and tasted sweet Cup victory as a Toronto Argonaut two years in a row, in 1996 and 1997. He completed his career with the Montreal Alouettes, from 1998 to 2001. Also as an Alouette - one year from retirement and in his 13th season in the CFL - Pierre earned the distinction of being named Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2000.
His early years in football go back to 1980, when Pierre started out with the Alerions du Petit Seminaire, in Quebec. He went on to earn more accolades at college in Trois-Rivieres where, in 1982 and 1983, he helped the Diablos bring home the collegiate AAA Gold Bowl. Vercheval is grateful to have grown up as a student athlete. «It allowed me to not only play my favourite sport, but also to earn an education. »
His varsity career took him to the University of Western Ontario where, as a Mustang, he was an all-Canadian (1986-1987) and won the J.P. Metras trophy in recognition of his outstanding talent as the best offensive lineman in the country. Also in 1987, Vercheval was drafted 17th overall in the CFL as the Edmonton Eskimos’ second-round pick. The last feather in Pierre’s amateur cap was his participation in the NCAA East-West Shrine Bowl in Paolo Alto, California. He was one of two Canadian football players to be invited to this prestigious event. In July 1988, he became the first Quebecois ever to participate in an NFL training camp with the New England Patriots. He also participated in the Detroit Lions training camp in 1993.
Today, Pierre is a television football commentator for RDS (French TSN). He is also a motivational speaker whose extraordinary personal history motivates audiences to achieve their own potential. Football is one of the most demanding sports, both physically and mentally. For peak performance, players must understand the importance of each role on the team and how to prepare for it. Using metaphors and examples from the sports field as well as the field of business, Pierre is a unique and inspiring speaker. Entertaining and touching, Pierre’s story leaves no listener unmoved.
- Member, «Pantheon des sports » Quebec (Quebec Sports Hall of Fame)
- Grey Cup winner, 1996 and 1997
- First francophone to be inducted in to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame
- Football commentator, RDS television (French TSN)
- First Quebecois in history to play 200 regular season games in the CFL
- First Quebecois ever to participate in an NFL training camp, in 1988 with the New England Patriots
- Professional Motivational Speaker
