SPORTS BABE OF THE DAY: Brandon Boudreaux, Defensive Lineman, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and 2013 CFL All-Star @Hydreaux46
After graduating from Troy University in Alabama in 2012, Brandon Boudreaux was signed to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as a free agent. When you stand next to this 6’2, 255lbs statue, it’s clear was he was ranked as one of the top 10 strongest college football players in 2011.
The moment Boudreaux stepped onto the field, he made sure fans and players alike knew he was a force to be reckoned with. In his rookie year with the Tiger-Cats, he recorded 30 defensive tackles and 5 quarterback sacks. In his second season with the Cats, Boudreaux came back from an injury and finished the season strong with 28 defensive tackles and lead his team with 7 sacks. To top it all off, he was voted as an East Division All-Star and started in all three playoff games.
Don’t be fooled by the rough exterior, this football player has a softer side to him as well. Not only is he an avid Sunday morning cartoon fan, but he also volunteers in his community; giving back to the city that has supported him and his teammates. Boudreaux is proud to be a Tiger-Cat and we’re proud to call him our Sports Babe of the Day!
20 QUESTIONS WITH BRANDON BOUDREAUX
1. What has been the biggest difference between playing football in the United States and in Canada?
For me, being a defensive lineman, the biggest differences are being a yard off the ball and the size of the field. In Canada, the field in wider and longer. You definitely have to be able to run up here. It’s an adjustment; running more and being in better condition.
2. How did you feel about being voted 2013 CFL All Star?
Very happy! For me to miss 7 games this year and still put up the numbers I did and for the players and coaches to vote for me – that was a huge accomplishment! I had a great season and it was an emotional day for me.
3. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
It would have to be China. I’ve always had this fascination with China and if I ever have the time, I would want to go there and explore.
4. Favourite place to eat?
Easy! Cora’s Breakfast!
5. Your team was the CFL Eastern Division Champions for the first time since 1999, how did it feel being a part of the team to bring that home for Hamilton?
It was a great feeling! We had a great season even though it didn’t start off very strong. We were 0-4 and we came back to end the season 10-8. It was a fun season because of the adversary we dealt with at first; injuries, losses and then coming together as a team in the end. Nobody believed in us but ourselves and the fans, nobody thought we would finish the way we did. The season was remarkable and memorable. It is one that I will remember for a long time.
6. Hank Burris was released and is now the quarterback for the Ottawa RedBlacks. He has been a leader and crucial part in the Hamilton offense and team as a whole. How is this going to affect the Tiger-Cats going forward?
This was a move that a lot of guys weren’t happy to see, but we understand. That’s just the way the business is. He affected so many people with his smile, his personality and his positivity. He was a pro. He was a professional every time he came to work. We’re sad to see him go. As an athlete you have to understand, but you don’t want to see anyone be released. I’m happy he got picked up by Ottawa.
7. How did you get started in football?
Back in elementary school, I watched my first Superbowl, Denver Broncos versus the Green Bay Packers. John Elway was the quarterback for the Broncos and watching that game made me want to be a football player. My mom didn’t want me to play because she thought it was too violent.
Were you small compared to the other kids?
No, I was fat! I was just right – they definitely wanted me to play! I was really scared at first. I didn’t know how to be aggressive in the way they needed me to be. I had to become that way. I had to become this person who wasn’t afraid to be aggressive and possibly hurt someone.
8. What would you be doing if you weren’t playing football?
I attended Troy University in Alabama for broadcast journalism. If I wasn’t playing football, I would want to be a football analyst on TSN. I would still want to be in the sports industry, just in a different way.
9. Are you single, dating or locked down?
I am locked down! I’m very happy with what I have right now.
10. What do you do in your off season?
I recover my body for the first month and after that I train. This year I’ve definitely been paying more attention to my diet. No more pizza or pierogies for me! I also spend time with my daughter, London. When I’m not training or with London, I help out with the kids in Hamilton. I’ve been trying to do more appearances and get more involved with the community. Hamilton has given so much to me, so I want to give back more to Hamilton.
11. What advice would you give to someone going on a first date?
Do something fun! You want to make a girl laugh at you so she feels comfortable enough to talk. If you make her laugh, she won’t be afraid to open up to you.
12. You’ve accomplished so much in the short time you have been a professional athlete, do you still have goals you would like to achieve?
A big goal for me is to give back to the community more. I want to give back to the youth and be a mentor to younger kids. Another goal is to, of course, continue putting up great numbers and have another amazing season. I want to play football for as long as I can because I know that once I’m done, that’s it. You have to play as long as you can if you love the game.
13. What sports, besides football, do you enjoy watching?
I like basketball, a little baseball and skateboarding. I always watch the XGames.
Why skateboarding?
I enjoyed it as a kid. I think I just got too big to ride, but I like watching it on t.v.
14. What is on your Ipod right now?
I mostly listen to R&B. Right now, I’ve got Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Quan, Justin Timberlake and Rich Homie playing.
You know Drake is Canadian, right? You are welcome!
Thank you Canada!
15. What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I have a twin sister named Brittney. We went to college together and we’re very close.
16. What sacrifices have you made being professional athlete?
I have less free time to spend with my friends and family. The biggest sacrifices is being away from my daughter. Missing out on little things because I’m up here and she’s back home.
17. What is your guilty pleasure?
Sunday morning cartoons!
Any cartoons in particular?
Dexter’s Laboratory and Powerpuff Girls. Don’t write that though! (I couldn’t resist)
18. If you had to choose 
the next Sports Babe of the Day, who would it be?
My boy, Jonathan Massaquoi. We played at Troy University together and he now plays in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons. He lives a very interesting life. He’s a great athlete and he has a lot of knowledge and experience to share.
19. How do you want to be remembered?
As a football player, I want to be remembered as the greatest. That’s what I want to be. The best who ever played. As a person, I want to be remembered as a guy who really cared about others. I want to be the guy who made everyone around him a better person and a better player.
20. Celebrity crush?
Jessica Biel! She is stunningly beautiful, she’s a great actress and she seems like she has a great personality!
I think JT might have something to say about that!
Thanks for being such a great Sports Babe of the Day, Brandon! As a Hamiltonian, I expect season tickets…well, at least tickets to the home opener! Good luck with the rest of your training this off season and I’ll see you on the new Tim Horton’s Field! OSKEE WEE WEE! Follow Boudreaux on Twitter @hydreaux46 or Instagram @hydreaux46
