Nick Arakgi - Slotback - 1979-87 - Bishops

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Nick Arakgi joined the Montreal Alouettes in 1979. Arakgi was born in Cairo, Eqypt he grew up in Quebec and spent 4 years as a star receiver with the Bishops Gaiters where he is a member of the schools Hall of Fame. As a 6'6" 250lb receiver Arakgi learned as a professional with Montreal from Hall of Famer Peter Dalla Riva how to be a slot/tight end style receiver.

His first season in the league included a touchdown among his 5 catches. Dalla Riva retired after the 1981 season and Arakgi assumed a larger role in the Montreal offence in 1982. Arakgi would become an East All-Star in 1982 with a career high 89 catches for 1,062 yards. He added 6 touchdowns as the clubs most reliable receiver. The club had a forgettable 2-14 record with Arakgi as one of the few bright spots.

Arakgi would have his finest season in 1984 with 1,078 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Nick was named a league All-Star and went on to win the League Most Outstanding Canadian award. it was a terrific year for Arakgi but Montreal struggled to a 6-9-1 record. 1985 Would be Arakgi’s final season playing in Montreal he had 741 yards receiving for 3 touchdowns. A terrible injury of a broken neck bone in the preseason would cause Nick to miss the entire 1986 season.

The Alouette franchise was folded on the eve of the 1987 season. Arakgi was claimed by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Dispersal Draft and would spend his final season with Winnipeg. After a season with 534 yards and 2 touchdowns Arakgi retired from professional football.

A great Canadian receiver on some not so great Montreal teams - Arakgi was the last of the franchises few stars before ceasing operations. Nick has proved to have strong bloodlines as his son Jason Arakgi now plays with the B.C. Lions for a former teammates of Nick’s, Wally Buono.