From Touchdowns to Air Defence: The Remarkable Story of Canada's Football Star Guarding the Skies

July 28, 2023 – Defence Stories

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Captain Jordan Heather monitors the scopes from the operations floor at 22 Wing/Canadian Forces North Bay on 21 July, 2023.
Photo credit: Corporal Robert Ouellette, 22 Wing Imagery

Jordan Heather’s eyes suddenly intensify as he scans the screen. He leans forward as he quickly jots down a few notes. “Sidecar pop-up group, bullseye 265/88, 6 thousand, track south, Bogey.” Nonsense to most but to him and his team huddled around him, little else seemed to matter. “There, do you see that?” he points to something, “put that up on the big screen”. In the dim, cavernous, room, the rest nod in unison, seemingly grasping what he has noticed. He quickly refers to his notes and decisively relays orders. You would be forgiven if you guessed Jordan was reviewing film with his teammates from one of his recent games as the quarterback for the North Bay Bulldogs, but no, Jordan and his team are on the operations floor of the Canadian Air Defence Sector in North Bay, ON.

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Starting quarterback for the North Bay Bulldogs Captain Jordan Heather prepares before his game on 22 July, 2023 at Scollard Hall in North Bay, ON.
Photo credit: Captain Chris Dube, 22 Wing Public Affairs

They are responding to a wayward aircraft during a simulation as part of Operation NOBLE EAGLE, a primary mission for North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) personnel designed to ensure Canada and the United States are protected from airborne objects 24/7.

Back in 2013, Jordan received the Hec Crighton award as the top Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) football player following a stellar season at quarterback for the Bishop’s University Gaiters. After playing professionally for a while in France, a career change to the Canadian Armed Forces seemed like a natural fit for him, but years away from the game did not dull his desire to play.

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Starting quarterback for the North Bay Bulldogs Captain Jordan Heather prepares before his game on 22 July, 2023 at Scollard Hall in North Bay, ON.
Photo credit: Captain Chris Dube, 22 Wing Public Affairs

Today, with strong support from the chain of command, Captain Jordan Heather runs the offence for the North Bay Bulldogs of the Northern Football Conference while also serving as an Air Battle Manager at 22 Wing/Canadian Forces North Bay also known as the Canadian Air Defence Sector.

Captain Heather humbly attributes his success to the values instilled in him during his football career. “The camaraderie, teamwork, and leadership experience from my days at Bishop’s University translate seamlessly into my role in the military, where every member of the team plays a vital role in defending the nation.”

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Starting quarterback for the North Bay Bulldogs Captain Jordan Heather prepares before his game on 22 July, 2023 at Scollard Hall in North Bay, ON.
Photo credit: Captain Chris Dube, 22 Wing Public Affairs

Following four hours of tense activity, the exercise is officially over as the Mission Crew Commander for Voodoo Flight of 21 Aerospace and Warning Squadron puts down the secure phone and nods towards Jordan. Today’s exercise tested the limits of his training, but with the threat avoided his teammates begin collecting their notes and tidying their stations. Just like after a game the natural tendency is to relax but for Captain Heather and his team there is still work to do as they go over the results from within the windowless confines and security of the operations room. Always learning, always looking for ways to be better, a comfortable routine for Captain Jordan Heather whether on the field or on the job.