CFL Offensive Lineman Announces Retirement After 14 Remarkable Seasons with the Alouettes

Montreal Alouettes’ veteran offensive lineman Kristian Matte has officially announced his retirement, bringing an end to an illustrious 14-season career with the Canadian Football League (CFL) franchise. Matte’s dedication, skill, and leadership have left an indelible mark on the Alouettes, as well as on the broader CFL community.

Hailing from Longueuil, Quebec, the six-foot-four, 296-pound lineman made his debut with the Alouettes in 2010 after being selected seventh overall in the CFL Draft. Following a brief stint with the NFL’s Houston Texans, Matte returned to Canada to establish himself as one of the most consistent and versatile linemen in the league. Over the course of his career, he played in an impressive 190 regular-season games and contributed in 10 playoff matches. Notably, he was instrumental in the Alouettes’ Grey Cup victories in 2010 and 2023, and earned CFL East Division all-star honors twice.

Matte’s tenure with the Alouettes is tied for the third-longest in franchise history, trailing only quarterback Anthony Calvillo (16 seasons) and offensive lineman Scott Flory (15 seasons). A true team player, Matte primarily excelled at guard and center, roles where his technical ability and strategic mindset shone brightly. In his final season, he played in six games, continuing to offer the same resilience and commitment that defined his career.

Reflecting on Matte’s contribution, Alouettes general manager Danny Maciocia described him as a cornerstone of the team. “This is the end of an era. Matte was quite a player and always acted as a true gentleman,” Maciocia said. “He played a key role within our team during his career and did an excellent job leading our younger players. He spoke up in our locker room when the team needed it and encouraged his teammates at other times. The Alouettes can consider themselves fortunate to have had such a leader on their team all these years.”

Kristian Matte’s retirement marks the conclusion of a career defined by excellence, loyalty, and leadership. As the Alouettes bid farewell to one of their all-time greats, Matte’s legacy will undoubtedly endure, both in the hearts of his teammates and in the memories of the fans who celebrated his every accomplishment.