Gazette journalists share their memories of 2012.

MONTREAL - It could hardly be considered a consolation prize, but it spoke volumes about the person Brian Bratton has become. And he wanted it made clear his life won’t be defined by what occurs on a weekly basis between the white lines as an Alouettes wide receiver.

And even had he caught the pass four days earlier, it’s unlikely Bratton’s words would have been amended.

Last month, during Grey Cup week festivities at Toronto, Bratton was named winner of the Tom Pate Memorial Award, given annually to a Canadian Football League player worthy of outstanding sportsmanship; someone who has made a significant contribution to his team, community and the league’s players’ association. Bratton was nominated by his teammates.

“I’m never going to be defined by the game of football,” Bratton said that night. “And I’m definitely not going to be defined by one play.

“When I take my helmet off every day, whether it’s practice or after a game — or when I take it off after my career’s over — I’ve got to be known for something. My goal ... is just to live a life of significance. Football’s a tool, something that I do now, that’s going to lead me to something else.”

Four days earlier, Bratton was enveloped in a sea of humanity after Montreal’s heartbreaking 27-20 defeat against the Toronto Argonauts in the East Division final at Olympic Stadium. The Als finished first in the division and were expected to advance to the league’s championship game. However, a last ditch pass from quarterback Anthony Calvillo to Bratton in the end zone bounced off his shoulder pads, the receiver’s view temporarily distracted by a leaping defensive back.

Bratton’s dressing-room cubicle is next to Calvillo’s. Many media members, for reasons never fully understood, feel compelled to initially speak to the quarterback, when the story of the game was seated inches away. Bratton not once complained, although he must have felt claustrophobic — or at least would have, had he raised his head. Instead, he sat there, knowing his turn was coming. And he never moved, patiently answering one wave of questions after another.

No surprise. Bratton has displayed grace, dignity and class since making his way to Montreal as a free agent in 2007, after National Football League stops in Atlanta and Baltimore, a season playing for Cologne, Germany, in NFL Europe and time spent with Nashville in the Arena Football League.

Bratton, 30, has attempted to inspire through his actions. Last season, he participated in numerous charitable events, including the first Alouettes Community Festival, held in Point St. Charles. He also served Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless at the Welcome Hall Mission.

A resident of Greenville, S.C., he launched the Brian Bratton Football Academy in that state. Its mandate is to provide young athletes the opportunity to learn from experienced players with a positive influence in a safe and fun environment.

He credits his wife for helping him become more involved in charitable functions, which include speaking at schools.

“There’s kids, specifically young men, who are growing up without father figures. Or their father figures are in prison or jail,” he said. “And now, I’m that guy. I’m that father figure. I’m that person who can tell them they can.”

The Pate award, Bratton said, shows “I’m doing something as a person — and not just as a football player.”

hzurkowsky@montrealgazette.com

Twitter: @HerbZurkowsky1