This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Montreal • With a 50-yard completion to Jamel Richardson, Montreal Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo, a former Utah State University player, became pro football's new passing yards king Monday.
The 18-year Canadian Football League veteran eclipsed the 72,381-yard record set by Damon Allen in 2007, setting a new benchmark and rewriting the history books in the process.
The historic moment occurred in the third quarter of Monday afternoon's matchup between the Alouettes and the Toronto Argonauts at Percival Molson Stadium, marking the third time this season that Calvillo, 39, broke one of Allen's records against the retired QB's former team. Calvillo also set new marks for touchdown passes and completions earlier this season.
The game was paused after the record-breaking pass was completed, as Calvillo was presented with a trophy adorned with the history-making ball. Calvillo's family came on to the field to mark the moment.
Friends south of the border, including the likes of NFL greats Dan Marino and Warren Moon, as well as legendary football host Chris Berman, all paid tribute to Calvillo with a congratulatory video.
At the start of Monday's game, Calvillo needed 258 passing yards to break the record. He completed 23-of-39 passes for 305 yards to help clinch a playoff spot for the Alouettes with a 29-19 win.
Calvillo, who has yet to decide if he will return next season, passed the 4,000-yard mark for the 10th straight season and now has a career total of 72,429 yards.