We’ve already rattled off numbers 00 to 39 in the first four parts of our “Best Alouettes by jersey number” series. If you missed any of those parts, you can read them by clicking here:

Part 1 – 00 to 9
Part 2 – 10 to 19
Part 3 – 20 to 29
Part 4 – 30 to 39

Today we’re breaking down numbers 40 to 49:

40 – Diamond Ferri – LB – 2007 to 2011 and 2014: Ferri was a standout on an Alouettes defence that won back-to-back Grey Cups in 2009 and 2010. Not only did he play linebacker, he also returned kicks at times (he scored a kick-return touchdown against the Eskimos in 2010). Sure, he took the bad penalty on occasion, but I’d be more than willing to go into battle with him.

41 – Shea Emry- LB – 2008 to 2013: The Als drafted Emry with the seventh overall pick in the 2008 draft. After spending his first year primarily as a special-teamer, he became a starter beginning in 2009. The Canadian middle-linebacker was part of the teams that won the Grey Cup in 2009 and 2010. Emry was named a CFL All-Star in 2012 and he was named the top defensive player in the East Division that year. Other Alouettes that wore number 41: Jim Andreotti (also wore 45), Joe Stracina, Glen Keeble and Clint Kent.

42 – Dick Schnell – LB/OT/DE – 1961 to 1962: Schnell was originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1961, but broke into professional football with the Alouettes. He recorded his first career interception during his second season with Montreal. He was eventually traded to the Argonauts, but never played for them. He played four seasons in Saskatchewan before retiring.

43 – Jason Richards – DL – 1999 to 2003: Richards had his best year in 1999, as he finished with nine quarterback sacks. His efforts earned him a spot on the East Division All-Star team. He was also part of the team that won the Grey Cup in 2002. Richards also served as a long-snapper during his time with the Alouettes.

44 – Kevin Johnson – LB – 2002 to 2005: Johnson started his CFL career in Calgary in 1999, but made his mark with the Alouettes. The former Ohio State linebacker was a key figure in the Als’ aggressive defence. He was an East-Division All-Star in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and he was a finalist for the league’s defensive player of the year award in 2003. During his Als years, Johnson was considered the second best middle linebacker in the CFL behind Barrin Simpson.

45 – Tom Cousineau – LB – 1979 to 1981: Cousineau was the first overall pick in the 1979 NFL Draft, but opted to sign with Montreal over Buffalo. Online reports suggest that the Als offered double the money the Bills offered him back in 1979. Cousineau was the Grey Cup MVP in 1979 and he was a CFL All-Star in 1980. After three years in Montreal, he spent three seasons in Cleveland and two years in San Francisco.

46 – Milt Crain – OL – 1960 to 1964: I’d also like to give Walter Spencer a shoutout. He was a dominant force on special teams between 2007 and 2011. Crain was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1959, but never suited up for them. Instead, he joined the Alouettes. During his CFL career, he split time as a centre and offensive tackle. Crain was named to the 1963 CFL East All-Star team. He also wore numbers 47 and 69 during his time in Montreal.

47 – Stefen Reid – LB – 1996 to 2002: Running back Robert Edwards would have been a suitable answer here, but it’s tough to ignore a Canadian who started at middle linebacker. Reid started his career on special teams and excelled there. He went on to play a more prominent role on defence as his career progressed and was named an East Division All-Star in 2002.

48 – Tom Hugo – OL/LB – 1953 to 1959: Where do I begin? Hugo played on both sides of the ball and he did so at a high level. It took some time but he was eventually inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2018. During his seven season with the Alouettes, Hugo was named an All-Star 12 times. He was an All-Star on offence only in 1953 and an All-Star on defence only in 1959. Between 1954 and 1958, he was on the All-Star team on both sides of the ball.

49 – Steve Raquet – DL – 1984 to 1986: Raquet played for the Montreal Concordes for three seasons. He wore number 49 in his first year and 99 in his second and third seasons. In his first season in Montreal, Raquet registered 15 quarterback sacks which is fifth most in franchise history. He had a six and eight-sack seasons in his final two years with the Concordes.

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(Feature Image Credit: Montreal Gazette)