Argos Acquire CFL's All-Time Passing Leader
Published on June 7, 2003 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release
The Argos 130th Anniversary season will feature the CFL's all-time leading passer as the team announced today that it has acquired quarterback Damon Allen in a trade with the B.C. Lions in exchange for a 2nd round draft pick in 2004 and a 3rd round draft pick in 2005.
The 18-year veteran, who already owns CFL's all-time records in career pass attempts (7,425), completions (4,107) and passing yards (58,407), enters the 2003 season only 15 touchdowns shy of passing Ron Lancaster for career passing touchdowns. He is also the first quarterback in league history to rush for over 10,000 yards.
When Allen suits up for the Argos' season opener on June 19th against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, he will become only the fourth player in league history to play 300 career games.
"A Legend! There is no other word to describe Damon Allen and his impact on the Canadian Football League," said Argos head coach Michael "Pinball" Clemons. "Damon is a perfect fit for the Toronto Argonauts this season. He brings everything to the quarterback position...experience, talent and leadership. We were excited about our team before, but we are thrilled about our chances this season with the acquisition of Damon Allen."
The 39-year old Allen will be joining the sixth team of his CFL career when he dons the Argo Double Blue this season. He began his CFL career in 1985 as a member of the Edmonton Eskimos, and also played for the Ottawa Rough Riders, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Memphis Mad Dogs before spending the past seven seasons with the B.C. Lions. He led the Lions to a Grey Cup victory, the third of his career, in 2000.
"Damon is going to be able to step in here and help us right away in our plans for this season," said Argos Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Adam Rita. "We have a handful of players in our locker room who played with Damon and they know already what Toronto fans will see immediately, that Damon Allen is a winner and the ultimate professional. I'm extremely happy to be reunited with Damon and am very excited for our team."
The Argos will be back on the practice field tomorrow (Sunday) as they prepare for a pre-season re-match with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Tuesday after the Argos' 26-18 victory at SkyDome last week.
The Toronto Argonauts, North America's oldest professional football team, celebrate their 130th anniversary in 2003 with 14 Grey Cup championships to their credit, the most in Canadian Football League history. For Argo ticket information call (416) 545-1777.
Suit up!! The CFL is back for a hard-hitting celebration of Canadian Football. Get ready for the coolest party of the summer on Canada Day weekend. The 91st Grey Cup will be held in Regina Saskatchewan on November 16th.
Canadian Football League Stories from June 7, 2003
- Argos Announce Roster Moves - Toronto Argonauts
- Argos Acquire CFL's All-Time Passing Leader - Toronto Argonauts
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