As much as Jeshrun Antwi was surprised by his trade following four seasons with the Alouettes, he leaves Montreal wondering why he suddenly wasn’t involved in the Alouettes’ offence this season.
“I’m not going to lie. Based on what the off-season plan was and the conversations I had coming into the season, I did expect to get some touches,” Antwi told The Gazette late Wednesday upon arriving in Vancouver, hours after the Als announced he had been traded to the B.C. Lions for a 2025 third-round draft choice.
In 15 games this season backing up starter Walter Fletcher, Antwi had only 10 carries for 20 yards along with five catches for 21 yards. The Als don’t often use a two-back set, meaning Antwi’s playing time generally was restricted to special teams.
“I wasn’t expecting a 50/50 split by any means,” Antwi said. “Fletcher’s a great back, but I thought we complemented each other very well with our style of play. Having played for the coaching staff before, I was expecting to get some touches. I didn’t. I wasn’t going to walk into anyone’s office and beg for touches. If they deemed me worthy to be on the field they would have, obviously.
“It was clear that, for whatever their reasons may have been, I wasn’t going to be playing on offence and that was that. I was definitely surprised.”
The Als are last in the CFL in rushing yards (1,222) and attempts (240). Yet with an average of 5.1 yards per carry, Montreal is tied for fourth in the league with Calgary, Ottawa and Hamilton. The Als dress three tailbacks, and Antwi had to share time this season with newcomer Sean Thomas-Erlington, who also has been underused, limited to eight carries for 58 yards.
The Als are on a bye week in the schedule. Antwi had returned home to Calgary and was notified of the trade by general manager Danny Maciocia on Tuesday night. Antwi didn’t ask the GM for any explanation, nor was one provided. He has been activated for the Lions’ Friday night home game against Calgary. B.C. (7-8) is on a two-game losing streak and sits third in the West Division but should make the playoffs. B.C. Place in Vancouver is the host site for this year’s Grey Cup in November.
Antwi was drafted by the Als in the sixth round (48th overall) in 2019 and made his debut two seasons later after returning to school. He was used extensively in 2022, after William Stanback fractured his ankle in the opening game. Antwi gained 600 yards on 106 carries, adding 30 receptions for 200 yards that season.
He was part of the Als’ renaissance, culminating in a Grey Cup victory last season.
“That meant everything,” said Antwi, 26. “The landscape has changed. I feel grateful and thankful to have had the privilege to say I was part of who restored glory back to the Alouettes. But now I’ve been traded to a team that wants me and has a chance to be in the Grey Cup. That’s all I can ask for.”
The trade reunites Antwi with Stanback, who signed with the Lions last winter as a free agent, and quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. Antwi said both players contacted him upon learning the news.
“This is the nature of the business. I’m not naive,” said Antwi, eligible to become a free agent in February. “I was surprised, but at the end of the day. I’m with the B.C. Lions now. I have to reshape my focus, get ready to help this Lions team make the playoff push and get into the playoffs.”
The Lions host Montreal on Oct. 19.