Noah Gravel, a former high school quarterback and linebacker, is returning to Quebec to join Laval University’s Rouge et Or football team. His decision is driven by the desire to play for his family, pursue a medical career, and compete for championships. With three years of eligibility left, Gravel aims to balance academics and athletics, aspiring to be a Canadian all-star and team captain while making a significant impact in both sports and medicine.
Noah Gravel: A Rising Star in Football and Medicine
Noah Gravel, a talented quarterback during his high school years and a hybrid linebacker at an American prep school, has made the decision to return to Quebec. With aspirations of making a significant impact both on and off the football field, he is set to join the Laval University Rouge et Or in January. “Playing in NCAA Division I was a dream come true, but after reflecting this fall, I realized I could have a greater impact back home,” he shared. “With three years of eligibility left, I could have continued my advocacy for the Uplifting Athletes foundation, but I believe my influence will be stronger with the Rouge et Or.”
Balancing Family, Education, and Ambitions
Gravel’s return to Quebec is motivated by several key factors: the chance to play in front of his family, pursue a medical career, and compete for a championship. “I want my family to witness my journey on the field. Medicine is my true passion, and I have always aimed to help others. While I was unsure if my kinesiology degree from ETSU would be recognized here, becoming a doctor will allow me to make a more profound impact on people’s lives. While football is important, it is not my sole focus,” he explained.
Recently, Gravel achieved an impressive score on the CASPer test, required for health-related programs. His results place him in a strong position for an interview in April, with admission outcomes expected in May.
Choosing the Right Path
Had Gravel chosen to stay in the United States, he would have fully committed to football, but that was not his ultimate goal. “I realized I was putting all my eggs in one basket with football, risking disappointment if things didn’t pan out,” he reflected. “It was a tough decision, especially with a long-term girlfriend. I was involved with Uplifting Athletes and local food banks, which made the experience even more valuable.”
As a former quarterback for the Dynamiques of Charles-Lemoyne College, Gravel is eager to pursue a championship. “In the U.S., players in lesser-known programs often prioritize personal stats over team success. However, at Charles-Lemoyne, I learned from Michel-Pierre Pontbriand that every player must contribute to the team’s objectives for victory.”
Gravel’s childhood aspiration was to play for the Montreal Alouettes, not the NFL. “I never envisioned myself in the NFL,” said the 6-foot, 205-pound linebacker, who volunteers at Accueil Bonneau in Montreal every other Saturday. “My dream was to don the Alouettes jersey, have it retired, and even have a statue erected outside the stadium. Attending Alouettes games with my father fueled that dream.”
While academics are critical, Gravel has high ambitions on the field as well. “I identify as a student-athlete, not an athlete-student, but I also aim for greatness on the field. I want to be remembered a decade after I graduate, make Canadian all-star teams, and serve as captain of the Rouge et Or. Ultimately, my goal is to win a championship.”
“Nothing is guaranteed, and the road ahead will be challenging,” Gravel added. “Laval is counting on a young defensive lineup and several second-year players. I’m ready to tackle this challenge. My time in the NCAA taught me a lot about perseverance; starting from the bottom and earning my spot was a rewarding experience.”
In joining the Rouge et Or, Gravel will reconnect with former teammates, including receiver Louis Vincent, with whom he played at Baylor and ETSU. Despite undergoing hip surgery in 2023, Gravel is eligible to play for four seasons in Canadian university football.
“Louis played a significant role in my decision to come to Laval. We kept in touch throughout the fall, and I mentioned my considerations about returning to Quebec. He relayed my thoughts to Mathieu Bertrand, the recruitment manager. I was thrilled when Mr. Constantin reached out to me,” Gravel noted.
Upon his return to Quebec, Gravel was keen on playing for Laval or the Carabins at the University of Montreal. “I had fruitful discussions with both teams, but Laval’s academic reputation ultimately swayed my decision.”