December 13, 2012

Anthony Calvillo to return in 2013

MontrealAlouettes.com

MONTREAL – The Montreal Alouettes and owner Bob Wetenhall announced on Thursday that quarterback Anthony Calvillo has signed a new two-year contract, securing pro football’s all-time passing leader for a 16th season with the club in 2013.

“I am delighted to be able to announce that Anthony will continue playing next year as for so many years he has represented the best of the Alouettes and the CFL on and off the field. He has contributed so very much to his team, the league and the community,” said Wetenhall.

In 2012, Calvillo became the first QB in league history reach the 5,000-plus yards mark seven times over his brilliant career. He also threw for over 300 yards in eight-straight games, breaking Doug Flutie’s single-season CFL record of seven, set in 1991 with the B.C. Lions. The veteran pivot also moved ahead of quarterback Warren Moon and into sole possession of second place on the all-time pro football touchdown passing list with 449, behind leader Brett Favre (508).

“Anthony has been a solid foundation for our football team for a number of years now,” explained Alouettes general manager Jim Popp. “The leadership he offers in the community, in the locker room, and on the playing field is irreplaceable. We are fortunate in many ways that he has chosen to return.”

Calvillo is coming off a campaign that saw the 40-year-old veteran rank second in the league in passing yards (5,082) and touchdown passes (31) all while throwing only 14 interceptions on 555 pass attempts. He also rushed for a pair of TDs in a single game for the first time in his career.

“I’m truly excited to come back and be a part of this great team and organization. With Jim’s hard work and Coach Trestman at the helm, I believe we will once again have a very competitive team next season and I can’t wait to get back on the field with my teammates,” said Calvillo ahead of his 20th CFL season.

Last season, Calvillo earned his tenth nomination as the team’s Most Outstanding Player while being named a CFL All-Star for the fifth time.

“Like I said many times over the last few months, I truly believe Anthony had his best season in 2012,” said Alouettes head coach Marc Trestman. He overcame adversity in many ways. He played most of the season with a lingering injury and lost some of his premier targets to injuries, which did not affect his game. I am extremely appreciative of what Anthony does for our football team daily on and off the field and am once again grateful for the opportunity to coach him.”

Following successful surgery to his non-throwing shoulder to correct a small labrum tear last Friday, Calvillo is expected to make a full recovery and will be ready for Alouettes training camp in June.