It's been 12 days since safety Etienne Boulay got the call saying he would no longer be a part of the Montreal Alouettes, the  only team he's known in his six seasons in the CFL.

And although the 29-year-old battled a concussion for most of last season, he he says it was getting the call from GM Jim Popp that left him blindsided.

“It was a big shock. I was focused on my training camp on getting my head right you know making sure I was able to hit because I had a concussion last year. So that was my main focus. I never saw it coming because I was having actually a good training camp. But that’s part of the game and part of the business and I have to look forward from here on out.”

Boulay says he's had interest from three teams, Toronto, Hamilton and Edmonton. And although he has yet signed a contract, he says last year's head injury isn't an issue and that his pre-season performance put to rest any lingering self-doubts.

“No i’m 100% and i’ve been 100% for a long time. I’m very thankful that I had a chance to hit. I think whether it’s a concussion or a knee injury or any type of injury, you’re excited but you also want to test it, it’s a mental thing. And I had the chance to hit during training camp and tell myself “ok i’m good to go, I am healthy.””

Boulay says that although he doesn’t expect to sign a contract in time for the start of the regular season this weekend, he hopes to have his football future finalized over the next few weeks. He also reflected that being out of the game for awhile has helped him realize that he’s nowhere near ready to hang up the cleats.

“I miss the guys of course. I think that’s what everyone misses about the game when they’ve been gone awhile. That’s what I missed last year with the injury. I miss being around the locker room and the camaraderie. But I also miss hitting, and I miss running around and playing ball. So i’m very very eager to play some football, but at the same time i’m trying to stay patient and do what’s best for my family and for myself.”