Jeremy Murphy (Social Science, 2019) was a star football player with the Champlain Cavaliers during his time in Cegep and he’s now moved on to play professionally, having been drafted to the Canadian Football League (CFL) by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in May.

The Blue Bombers selected Murphy in the third round, 26th overall, in the 2023 CFL Draft.

Originally from St. Bruno, Que, Murphy said he’s dreamt of playing pro football since he was a kid and wanted to pursue his passion for sport for as long as possible.

“Every kid that’s into sports wants to be the next Crosby,” he said. “I’m fortunate to be one of the kids to have made it as far as I have. So many people want to do this, and so few get the chance.”

Looking back on his time at Champlain, Murphy described playing for the Cavaliers as “the most fun days of my football life.”

Murphy went on to play football at Concordia University where he was named to the U Sports first all-Canadian team and given the wide receiver’s second national award. In 2019, he was named the U Sports Rookie of the Year.

Earlier this month, before heading off to rookie camp with the Bombers, Murphy stopped by Champlain to inspire this year’s team.

His advice to student athletes hoping to make it big: “So many people will tell you it’s impossible, that it’s not worth going for it. If this is something you really want to do, keep your head down and just keep working.”

During his time at Champlain Saint-Lambert, Murphy earned many accolades from the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec including Rookie of the Year in 2016-17 and Offensive Player of the Year in 2018-19.

He was also named as an RSEQ Offensive All-Star for both of the above mentioned years.