 |
Donald Narcisse was an outstanding receiver with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Source: https://cfhof.ca/members/donald-narcisse/ (May be subject to copyright) |
Not only was Donald Narcisse a dependable receiver, but he was consistent, a Grey Cup champion, and a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
Yesterday, I heard the long-time Saskatchewan Roughrider receiver and record holder was inducted into the hall of fame of his alma mater Texas Southern University.
Go north
Donald Narcisse had a successful college career at Texas Southern, where he had 88 receptions for 1,074 yards and 15 touchdowns in his senior year. He also earned the 1986 NCAA Division I-AA receiving crown; and was named First-Team NCAA Division I All-American and All-Southwest Conference. His career totals at Texas Southern were 203 catches for 2,430 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Donald Narcisse had a successful college career at Texas Southern, where he had 88 receptions for 1,074 yards and 15 touchdowns in his senior year. He also earned the 1986 NCAA Division I-AA receiving crown; and was named First-Team NCAA Division I All-American and All-Southwest Conference. His career totals at Texas Southern were 203 catches for 2,430 yards and 26 touchdowns.
After finishing his college career at the end of the 1986 season, Narcisse signed as an undrafted free agent with the St. Louis Cardinals of the NFL in 1987. He was released before the 1987 season started.
He made a decision that changed his life, and Canadian Football League history forever.
On September 1, 1987, Donald Narcisse signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Rookie season
Later that month on September 19, 1987, Narcisse made his CFL debut. He caught five passes for 46 yards, and scored his first CFL touchdown, a nine-yard pass from quarterback Jeff Bentrim against Edmonton.
Later that month on September 19, 1987, Narcisse made his CFL debut. He caught five passes for 46 yards, and scored his first CFL touchdown, a nine-yard pass from quarterback Jeff Bentrim against Edmonton.
The Riders finished with a 5-12-1 record, and well out of the playoffs. Narcisee finished his rookie season with 25 receptions and 319 yards for a 12.8-yard average, one touchdown and a long of 43 yards.
Coincidentally, the St. Louis Cardinals also released a quarterback in 1987,who had suited up with them as their third stringer the previous season. The Saskatchewan Roughriders then signed Kent Austin, and he joined the team on September 8, 1987, one week after Narcisse’s arrival. The two would make a potent passing combination for the rest of the decade, and beyond, for the Riders.
Narcisse’s second season, in 1988, was hampered by injuries. He appeared in just 10 of 18 games, hauling in 21 passes for 288 yards and an average of 13.7 yards, with a long of 22 yards and no touchdowns. The Riders, however, returned to the playoffs for the first time in 12 years. They finished second in the West Division with an 11-7 record, although they lost the West Semi-Final to B.C.
However, as the decade drew to a close both Narcisse, and the Riders, were set to break out.
Championship season
The 1989 campaign would be a dream season for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. They finished with a 9-9 record, good enough for the third in the West Division. The Riders went to Calgary and defeated the Stampeders in the West Semi-final, then shock the Eskimos in Edmonton in the West Final to advance to their first Grey Cup since 1976.
The 1989 campaign would be a dream season for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. They finished with a 9-9 record, good enough for the third in the West Division. The Riders went to Calgary and defeated the Stampeders in the West Semi-final, then shock the Eskimos in Edmonton in the West Final to advance to their first Grey Cup since 1976.
They faced the East Division champion Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a wild shoot out many consider the greatest Grey Cup in history. Saskatchewan prevailed, winning their first championship since 1966 by a score of 43-40, with a last-minute field goal by Dave Ridgway.
Donald Narcisse would have a breakout season with the Riders, the first year he played in all 18 regular season games for the team. He had 81 receptions for a career-high 1,419 yards and a career-high 11 touchdowns. He also had five receptions in the Grey Cup for 98 yards and a touchdown.
For his efforts, Narcisse was named a West Division All-star and CFL All-star.
As the sun set on the ‘80s, the Saskatchewan Roughriders were Grey Cup champions and Donald Narcisse was poised to become one of the best receivers in the league.
The years after
He did not disappoint. That 1989 season began a streak of seven consecutive seasons, 1989 to 1995, where he had 1,000 or more yards receiving. He would add an eighth 1,000-yard-plus season in 1998. In addition, he had two seasons of more than 900 yards. Narcisse also had 34 games of 100-plus yards receiving, and led the league in receptions with 123 in 1995.
He did not disappoint. That 1989 season began a streak of seven consecutive seasons, 1989 to 1995, where he had 1,000 or more yards receiving. He would add an eighth 1,000-yard-plus season in 1998. In addition, he had two seasons of more than 900 yards. Narcisse also had 34 games of 100-plus yards receiving, and led the league in receptions with 123 in 1995.
Donald Narcisse was a CFL All-star in 1989, 1990, 1995 and 1998; and a West Division All-star in 1989, 1990, 1993, 1995, and 1998.
He retired after the 1999 season with career totals of 919 receptions for 12,366 yards and 75 touchdowns. Narcisse also holds the professional football record for most consecutive games with at least one reception, with 216 games. When he retired, he was first all-time in career receptions, third in career receiving yards, and tied for second in 1,000-plus-yard seasons.
Donald Narcisse was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
Parting thoughts
Like so many others, the first time I saw Donald Narcisse play, I got his name wrong. For the first part of the 1988 season, I thought his name was Ray Narcisse. Seemingly, if I did not hear all or part of a name, I would fill in the blanks with my imagination.
Like so many others, the first time I saw Donald Narcisse play, I got his name wrong. For the first part of the 1988 season, I thought his name was Ray Narcisse. Seemingly, if I did not hear all or part of a name, I would fill in the blanks with my imagination.
But I learned all about Donald Narcisse soon enough. He may have been too small for the NFL, but he had the perfect skill set for the Canadian game. He was a precise route runner with incredible hands. He was able to make that clutch catch, whether on a second or third-down conversion or a crucial touchdown. He could also beat his man deep down the field. And he was consistent, making at least one catch in every game he played.
Beyond all those physical skills, he had this infectious enthusiasm, embodied by that dance he did after key receptions, which were usually touchdowns.
Donald Narcisse remains one of my favourite players in CFL history. I can sum up his play in two words – clutch and consistent.
No comments:
Post a Comment