Saint-Laurent Borough Council pays tribute to Anthony Calvillo as he announces his retirement

SAINT-LAURENT, QC, Jan. 21, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Saint-Laurent Borough Council is paying tribute to the career of one of Saint-Laurent's illustrious citizens, Anthony Calvillo, who today announced his retirement from the Canadian Football League (CFL) after 19 seasons. Originally from Los Angeles, California, the former star quarterback for the Montreal Alouettes have lived with his family in Saint-Laurent for several years.

New records that will be hard to beat
It seems that winning the Grey Cup three times (2002, 2009 and 2010) wasn't enough for the man who immortalized Alouettes jersey number 13. Calvillo also set new CFL records for passing yards (79 816), completed passes (5892) and touchdown passes (455). He also holds the record for most completions in a single game (44) and most passing yards in Grey Cup games (2470).

However, the quarterback has also overcome difficult moments in both his professional and personal life. It should be recalled that Calvillo was on the injured list during the second half of the 2013 season after suffering a concussion resulting from a tackle by Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive end Ricky Foley on August 17, 2013.

Courage in the face of adversity
"Not only the all-time passing yards leader in the history of the CFL, Mr. Calvillo has also shown an exceptional level of courage that goes well beyond the football field," said the mayor of Saint-Laurent, Alan DeSousa. "It should be remembered that Saint-Laurent awarded the Ordre des Grands Laurentiens (OGL) to the Calvillo family following the difficult time the family lived through in 2007. Mr. Calvillo and his family demonstrated their generosity of spirit even as they were facing a very delicate situation. Awarded annually, the OGL is the highest honour that Saint-Laurent bestows to recognize the outstanding contribution of citizens and organizations to the well-being of the Saint-Laurent community."

In 2007, only a few days after the birth of their second child, the Calvillo family learned that Alexia Calvillo, Anthony's wife, had cancer; happily, she successfully overcame the disease after following the recommended treatment. Afterwards, the Calvillos decided to improve the family room on the hematology-oncology ward at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

The Calvillos joined with several partner organizations and used their high profile in the community to raise funds for the renovation of the family room, a project that now benefits the families of patients on the ward. The new room, the Alexia and Anthony Calvillo Cedars Family Room, was opened on April 2, 2009, at the Cedar Cancer Institute.

In recognition of the example he has set, after these many years of perseverance and effort, the members of Saint-Laurent Borough Council wish Mr. Calvillo a long and enjoyable retirement.

SOURCE: Ville de Montréal - Arrondissement de Saint-Laurent

Source: 
Direction d'arrondissement
Division des communications et des relations avec les citoyens

Information: 
Omar Andres Fernandez
Communications Officer
514-855-6000, ext. 4304