Ladouceur holds several longevity records for both the Cowboys and the NFL, including most consecutive games played in Cowboys history, most seasons played in Cowboys history, most consecutive games played by a long snapper in NFL history, and most games played by a Canadian-born player. [2]
After playing the third game of the 2005 season against the San Francisco 49ers, the Cowboys decided to stay the entire week in California, to better prepare for their next game against the Oakland Raiders. Because of issues they were having with rookie long snapper Jon Condo, the team decided to replace him with Ladouceur, who signed with the team on September 28.[4] In his NFL debut against the Oakland Raiders, he snapped cleanly on five punts and two field goals. He finished his rookie season with clean snaps on 70 punts, 25 field goals and 28 PATs.
On February 14, 2008, he signed a five-year contract through the 2012 season. On February 28, 2013, he signed a new five-year contract.[6] In 2014, he was added to the Pro Bowl as a "need player" for special teams purposes.[7]
On March 18, 2018, Ladouceur re-signed with the Cowboys.[8] On March 19, 2019, Ladouceur re-signed with the Cowboys.[9]
On March 24, 2020, Ladouceur signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys.[10] He tied the franchise record of playing in 16 seasons, shared with tight end Jason Witten. On December 13, 2020, he became just the third player in NFL history to play 250 consecutive games for one team. On December 20, he played in his 251st career NFL game, moving him past kicker Eddie Murray as the most ever by a Canadian-born player.[11] He was congratulated by Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.[12]
On March 15, 2021, it was reported in the media that the Cowboys would not re-sign Ladouceur to play for them in a 17th season. He was replaced with free agent acquisition Jake McQuaide.[13]
At the time of his departure, Ladouceur was the last active NFL player to have played under Bill Parcells, as well as the last active Cowboy that played a game at Texas Stadium.[14]
Ladouceur retired from the NFL in November 2021, but did not make his decision public until February 2022.[15]
Personal life
Ladouceur married his wife, Brooke Worthington, in April 2012. He became an American citizen in 2019 after starting the process in 2013.[16]