TORONTO – Benoit Major, a McGill University football graduate, served as an on-field umpire when the Ottawa RedBlacks upset the Calgary Stampeders 39-33 in overtime, Sunday, to win the Canadian Football League's 104th Grey Cup championship at BMO Field.

It was the 197th career CFL game and the fifth Grey Cup worked by Major in his 12 seasons as part of the CFL officiating crew. He also worked the title game in 2015, 2014, 2012 and 2009. Selection for working the Grey Cup is based on being the highest rated officials at their respective positions during the 2016 season.

The 43-year-old native of Montreal wears No. 31 on the back of his striped uniform, the same number that he wore as a middle linebacker when he played at McGill from 1992 to 1994. In 21 regular season games, he was credited with 38.5 tackles, including 20 solos, three quarterback sacks and a pair of interceptions. He graduated in just three years, earning a science degree in 1995, majoring in occupational therapy.

A product of Vanier College, he later completed an MBA in 2007 at HEC Montréal, the French-language business school at the Université de Montréal. When not officiating, he works as a senior manager in the Quebec healthcare system.

In his role as an umpire, his position puts him right in the middle of the action. That courage was pushed to the limit when officiating a game on Aug. 1, 2014. Major was accidentally kicked in the face by Kyries Hebert of the Montreal Alouettes. After receiving 11 stitches, he returned to play the final two quarters of the game. See photos and video on this web page.

"I played with that guy. One tough SOB, no doubt," said TVA college football analyst Matthieu Quiviger, a former All-Canadian offensive lineman at McGill. "I had to face him every night at practice and never enjoyed it once."

SOURCE:
Earl Zukerman
McGill Sports Info Office
(514) 398-7012