Feb
Calvillo re-signs with Als
Courtesy Montreal Gazette:
We’ll never know what goes on behind closed doors; whether there will be an exchange of flowers, chocolate or some other trinket or item this Saturday, when Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo and his wife, Alexia, celebrate another Valentine’s Day.
We do know the day will be spent with their two small girls, Athena and Olivia, giving thanks for all they have and all they now know they’ll continue sharing.
“Valentine’s Day isn’t something we pay much attention to. We enjoy the moment but don’t have plans,” Alexia said. “I guarantee you we’ll have family time with the kids. Valentine’s Day is strength in family.
“We love each other more than ever, having gone through this,” she continued. “We’ve been given another chance. Every holiday, every day is special.”
Alexia was diagnosed in October 2007 with B-cell lymphoma, a form of cancer, but is well on her way to a full recovery. A PET scan taken last Thursday revealed she’s cancer-free, in remission, as the family had anticipated. There will be periodic bloodwork and regular physical exams until late 2012, when she’ll be considered cured.
With her recovery continuing on schedule Calvillo, as expected, announced a new commitment to the football team for which he has played since 1998, enjoying his finest moments. Eligible for free agency next week, the 36-year-old pivot re-signed with Montreal for a year and an option – yet one more piece added to the puzzle that finished first in the East Division last season, advancing to the Grey Cup game.
Head coach Marc Trestman, who didn’t attend the news conference but dispatched an email supporting and congratulating the family, along with Als management can breathe easier for another season, knowing the cornerstone of the franchise has at least one more year ahead.
“Although I was waiting on (Alexia’s) news, I mentioned many times I still had the desire to play … the fire was burning,” Calvillo said. “It was a no-brainer to return to the Als. The organization has been tremendous in how it has dealt with me.
“I know we have a strong nucleus on the team.”
He might be a year older, but the Als figure to remain competitive –especially in a weak East Division – as long as they have Calvillo. Entering his 16th Canadian Football League season, he excelled under Trestman, passing for 5,633 yards along with 43 touchdowns. A league all-star, Calvillo was named the CFL’s most outstanding player for the second time in his career.
