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Geroy Simon Sets New All-Time CFL Receiving Record

June 29, 2012 - Canadian Football League (CFL) B.C. Lions

(Vancouver) As the BC Lions and Winnipeg Blue Bombers battle it out this evening at BC Place in a rematch of last year's Grey Cup, veteran Leos slotback Geroy Simon has had a night to remember as he surpassed retired Blue Bomber great Milt Stegall (15,153 yards) to become the Canadian Football League's all-time leader in receiving yards with 15,192 so far on the night.

Simon hauled in a pass from quarterback Travis Lulay at the 10:03 mark of the 4th quarter to set the new CFL receiving yard standard. The game was stopped briefly as CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon honoured Simon during a brief on-field ceremony to mark the achievement.

The Lions will acknowledge tonight's feat with a pre-game ceremony next Friday (July 6th) when the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are in town to take on the Leos.

Simon took to the field this evening for his 211th career game (184th as a Leo) and in that time, he's notched a catch in 205 games (180 with BC including the last 161 consecutive) for an astounding 15,192 yards (14,161 with BC) on 940 receptions (855 with BC).

"I am very proud to achieve this milestone," said Simon. "My sincere thanks go out to my family and both current and former teammates who have been a big part of this record. Their unwavering support has been key to my success on the field. I would be remiss if I did not also acknowledge Milt Stegall whose leadership and work ethic had a significant effect on me early in my career. I am honoured to have my name associated with his and Milt's support has been inspirational. As well, my thanks to fans of the BC Lions, it was a thrill to achieve this milestone at home and I am grateful for your enthusiasm."

The Pennsylvania native has 98 career receiving TD's (91 with BC) to go along with 60 career 100+ yard performances, all but one of which has come in Orange. In almost half of his 210 career appearances, Geroy has notched five or more receptions (102 times) and his career average reception is an incredible 16.1 yards.

As the Lions play West Division opponents three to four times a year, Simon has picked up the bulk of his yards against them, but he has inflicted significant damage on each of the other CFL clubs. Here are the top four:

Saskatchewan - 33 games, 171 receptions, 2,586 yards, 16 TD's, 10 100-yard games Edmonton - 31 games, 137 receptions, 2,411 yards, 20 TD's, 10 100-yard games Calgary - 35 games, 144 receptions, 2,194 yards, 9 TD's, 8 100-yard games Montreal - 25 games, 127 receptions, 1,961 yards, 12 TD's, 7 100-yards games

One or two years of significant receiving yards is not uncommon in the CFL, but Geroy's consistency and longevity like that of Milt Stegall, Allen Pitts and Darren Flutie who make up the top four is rare among today's player.

Of the top 25 receivers all-time, only Geroy and teammate Arland Bruce (10,171 - 13th) as well as Calgary's Nik Lewis (9,232- 25th) are the only currently active players, so it will be some time before anyone comes close to Simon's incredible feat. -30- About the BC Lions Football Club The BCLions Football Club is British Columbia's most successful professional sports organization with six Grey Cup titles to their credit: 1964, 1985, 1994, 2000, 2006 and 2011. Drawing on pride, decades of tradition, passion and a spirit of excellence, the BC Lions Football Club seeks to touch the lives of our community in a positive way and is dedicated to serving partners, sponsors, and fans.

Members of the media can access, download and print everything Lions at our FTP site ftp://surrey.bclions.com - username: media and password: media. Follow the Lions daily on Twitter!

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Canadian Football League Stories from June 29, 2012


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