The Alouettes game against Calgary had the makings of a great game. Two teams leading their respective divisions late into the season in a rematch can amp up the tension and excitement before game, with both teams having something to prove. Calgary, having just pummelled Montreal last week, was looking to show that they are the premier team in the Canadian Football League, a title that has been passed around like a hot potato this season. On the other side of the field, Montreal was looking to show that their mid season slide had reached its end.
When the final whistle sounded, Montreal had proven that and more. And the cherry sitting on top of that sundae of a game is the record setting performance delivered by Utah native Ben Cahoon.
“I was feeling the love out there,” Cahoon said. “But I was trying to keep focused. It was awesome that they picked me off the ground and gave me a bunch of hugs. It’s cool, but at the same time it’s not my ultimate goal for this season. I have other personal goals, and we have team goals. It’s nice, but it’s not the most important thing we’re trying to accomplish.” – Ben Cahoon
He broke the record in an almost textbook play for him, taking a quick pass from Anthony Calvillo and darting up the middle for nine yards to get another first down like he has many times before, almost willing himself an extra yard.
Cahoon would receive a long standing ovation from the fans at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, complete with CFL commissioner Mark Cohon congratulating him on his achievement. A model of class and almost stereotypical Canadian-esque modesty, Cahoon was appreciative of the adulation, but was ready to get back to the game and secure Montreal another victory.
“It was a little crazy and maybe a bit over the top,” … “I apologized to some of the Calgary guys for the delay. The Calgary defence was very gracious, as well, and I appreciate that.” – Ben Cahoon reflecting on the honouring for his record breaking catch.
Cahoon has been known as being a team player, not seeking attention for himself and acknowledging others achievements before his own. Today would be no exception, with Cahoon citing his team-mates performances that game as one of the reasons for their stark reversal of fortune from last week listless loss at McMahon Stadium.
“Anthony was on fire,” Cahoon said. “He was really in the zone. I was just a little insignificant part of his game plan. We had guys making big plays all over the place. Bratton had two TDs, Jamel Richardson and Andrew Hawkins were making huge plays.”
Nice change of pace for a pro athlete, wouldn’t you say?
Cahoon would pass one time team-mate Terry Vaughn with that catch, and be one of only nine players that have reached this mark in either the NFL or CFL (Vaughn, Tim Brown, Isaac Bruce, Cris Carter, Tony Gonzalez, Marvin Harrison, Terrell Owens and Jerry Rice.), Of those, Cahoon and Harrison of the Indianapolis Colts have achieved this mark with the same team. And the amazing part is he’s far from done. With a dangerous combination of football sense, hands that player that stated are better then stars such as Terrell Owens, and a strong psychique that has proven doubters about his below-average stature very wrong, it’s not a stretch to think he can be effective for quite a few years more. And even though that could led to more pleasant mid-game stoppages, it’s not surprising that Cahoon has other things on his mind.
“It wasn’t my goal for the season, it was one of my goals,” the 38-year-old said of the record. “I’ll need about 30 more catches and a few more wins and playoff wins. So it’s a big deal, but in the big scheme of things, it’s a little thing.”
Here’s to of the little, and not-so-little things coming your way Mr. Cahoon. A more deserving athlete would be hard to find. And for those that missed the event, here’s the video.
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The owner of the Sports Blog Network, Chris tells it exactly as he sees it, be it in the stands, in front of the tv, or on his semi-trusty laptop. And always with a can of trusty Dr. Pepper by his side, and spell-check working overtime. 
As a BYU fan, I’m ecstatic that Cahoon has done so well.
I’ve been watching the Alouettes sicne they returned, and when Cahoon was drafted I wondered what management was thinking. The guy was too small and from some university program that I’m sure very few in these parts had ever heard of. Expected him to get one good tackle and be snapped in half. Boy was I wrong. The guy is practically indestructible, and just made of class. It’s been a privlidge to watch him over the last decade, and I really hope he keeps going.
You said it Natha. As the writer so elegently put it, so stereotypically Canadian. More athletes should follow his example.
Great to see Cahoon break the record. Just wish he hadn’t done it against Calgary. I swear the Stamps thought Montreal’s performance last week was the way to play and copied it to the letter.
No kidding. That was one hell of a blowout.
It’s always great to see Calgary lose.