Nate DeMontagnac's CFL Dream Comes True: A Surreal Journey

The Moment of Glory

April 29—GRAND FORKS — For Nate DeMontagnac, the surreal essence of being drafted into the Canadian Football League has just begun to sink in. After being selected No. 7 overall by the B.C. Lions on Tuesday night, he remains in a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts, reflecting on a lifelong journey that has finally come to fruition.

In between flights from Toronto to Grand Forks, the 6-foot-2 wide receiver shared his thoughts, saying, "To see something come true that you've been working for your whole life ... it still doesn't feel too real. It's super surreal, very emotional." Surrounding himself with loved ones during the draft made it all the more poignant, as he fought to keep his composure while celebrating a moment his younger self dreaming of, long ago.

A Historical Draft

DeMontagnac's selection makes him the highest-drafted player from the University of North Dakota (UND) in the CFL since 2001, marking a monumental milestone for both him and the university.

Describing his experience, Nate mentioned, "Being around loved ones made it hard to keep my composure, but I was glad to be around the people I was with." There's a certain magic in sharing pivotal moments with those who support you, and for DeMontagnac, this occasion was no different.

The Road to the Lions

Before the draft, DeMontagnac had conversations with various teams during the league's combine event, each promising their share of intrigue. However, the most impactful conversation came from B.C. Lions representatives, who not only checked in on him post-combine but also built a rapport that built up his confidence in their potential interest.

“They also called me before the draft to kind of check in and asked if I was still feeling alright and if my body was good,” Nate noted.

A Familiar Face

Though DeMontagnac doesn't know many players currently on the Lions roster, he will have a few familiar faces joining him. The Lions selected two players during the draft who he knows well. One was Pierre Kemeni, a high school teammate, and the other, Jett Elad, is a childhood friend from Mississauga, Ontario.

Reaching Out

Reflecting on his journey, Nate has actively connected with former and current coaches at UND, expressing his gratitude for their unwavering support. This includes current head coach Eric Schmidt, former head coach Bubba Schweigert, and former receivers coach Sam King, who gave him his first break in the sport.

"Lots of love and lots of unopened messages still, so I've got to get to that," he commented, showcasing his gratitude and the importance of relationships cultivated over the years. Coaches play a pivotal role in player development, and DeMontagnac acknowledges how crucial they were in his rise to success.

Next Steps

With his future in the CFL on the horizon, Nate's agent was busy negotiating contract terms, with hopes of finalizing everything shortly. Once agreed upon, the B.C. Lions will arrange for his flight to Vancouver, where he will jump right into rookie mini-camp—the next step in his climb toward becoming a professional athlete.

A Word to Aspiring Athletes

Nate DeMontagnac's journey is not merely about skill; it embodies determination, resilience, and the undeniable importance of a support network. It's crucial for aspiring athletes to recognize that the path to success is often paved with shared experiences and the love from those around them.

In the high-stake world of professional sports, it's not just about individual talent but also about the connections we forge along the way. As Nate steps onto the field in Vancouver, he carries not only his ambitions but also the dreams and support of everyone who has been part of his journey.