MONTREAL – Fans will love McLeod Bethel-Thompson, a fascinating character who even associated Football with cavemen during his press briefing.
For performances on the field, we will have to wait since Bethel-Thompson has come to terms with the idea of supporting Davis Alexander in 2025.
“When you sign a contract, it’s no longer about you, but about the team,” insisted the man whose personality we will benefit from discovering.
After a very good effort by launching “Hello, my name is McLeod, I am quarterback for the Alouettes,” the 36-year-old athlete followed up with some tasty answers. Here’s what he said when asked what Davis Alexander can learn from him compared to Cody Fajardo.
“I spoke with Davis last week and expressed to him how much I am here to help and support him. The first thing will be to get to know each other. Great teams have good chemistry on the field, but also off it. What he likes to eat, what makes him laugh, what makes him sad or happy,” began MBT who plans to spend time with Alexander soon.
“I’ve never come across a quarterback who could throw further than me on both sides of the border. I’ve been around Tom Brady, Colin Kaepernick and so many good quarterbacks from whom I’ve learned aspects. I plan to share everything with Davis, each of my experiences, my mistakes and my successes,” he continued.
His “experiences” occurred with a dozen teams (including 5 in the NFL) from across North America. Yes, his shoes have traveled a lot and we will think about talking to him about Félix Leclerc since he wants to discover French-speaking culture.
With all this baggage, what makes him still so passionate about football at 36 years old when he is the father of a 4-year-old daughter?
“A good friend of mine, who is a renowned quarterback coach, links the over-the-shoulder throwing motion to the development of an area of the brain. It dates back to when caveman started using tools. It was possible to throw over the shoulder which allowed larger animals to be killed. This movement is the pinnacle of human performance, it is an art form,” explained Bethel-Thompson.
“Next, there is no position in sports that poses a greater challenge than quarterback. You lead an entire game with your decisions,” continued the man who always has fun with football.
What also excites him is discovering Montreal culture with diverse origins (from El Salvador and Scotland).
“I don’t think you could ask for a better city to live in from what I hear.” I don’t know that many, I could only do a quick walk when I came to play here, but I always ended up walking longer than I planned,” he said.
“My daughter will come to join me in June. I can’t wait for her to learn French and she will probably learn much faster than me. We will look at where to live, I will take all your suggestions for places to eat,” added the American.
“When I was in the NFL, my sister and I started a foundation and we went back to El Salvador for six years in a row. When you join an organization, it’s very important to learn the culture. The CFL is not recognized for its true value, it is the oldest football circuit, twice as old as the NFL. I can’t wait to learn French,” said Bethel-Thompson, who believes in becoming a better version of himself.
Far from seeing the end of his career
Football topics weren’t boring, far from it. Having finished second in the CFL in 2024 with 24 touchdown passes, he could have looked for a team that would allow him to more easily battle for the starting position.
“Montreal chose me by making the transaction and I must appreciate this gesture. Then I talked with Coach Maas, Coach Calvillo, and (Danny) Maciocia about what they’re building. When you have the opportunity to join a winning culture, a good group of athletes and a family that comes together in addition to winning games while having fun, it’s a special occasion,” he said.
“Last year, I was with a team (Edmonton) that wanted to build a winning culture and I am very proud of the work accomplished. Unfortunately, the victories were not there. With the Alouettes, it’s completely different, this culture is established. My first mandate will be to seize it and join in,” said the six-foot-three, 230-pound colossus.
The desire to evolve as a starter has not gone from his mind. But he understands that he must put his shoulder to the wheel differently.
“As a quarterback, you have plenty to assimilate from opposing defenses, you don’t need to deal with a lack of support around you. I will support the starter and think about the victories that we can accumulate,” he assured.
For those who feared that its gas tank was dry, MBT could see itself playing for several more years.
“I have too much to give yet! I’m in great shape and throwing as well as ever. Every year I add something to my preparation. This year, I am inspired by the training methods of Marinovich who studied the Soviet approach in the 70s,” underlined Bethel-Thompson who is excited to experience the atmosphere of Percival-Molson stadium without being in the enemy camp .
