McCallum Returning For A 21st Season

The BC Lions Football Club announced this morning that kicker Paul McCallum has signed a contract extension with the team. McCallum was set to enter the option year of his current contract in 2013.

“Paul‘s consistency has been the hallmark of his illustrious career and I’m pleased to have him remain a part of the club,” said vice president of football operations and GM Wally Buono.

Paul played all 18 regular season games for the Lions in 2012, the 13th time in his career he’s not missed an appearance. The BC native is now number nine in league history with 292 games. Good on 44 of 52 field goal attempts last season, Paul now has a CFL-best 10 seasons with a success rate of 80% or better.

“Special teams is a huge part of our success as a club and much of that success is a result of Paul’s efforts,” said head coach Mike Benevides. “He remains one of the very best in our league and certainly one of the best all-time and I’m thrilled to have him back.”

In true McCallum form, he nailed his final 17 field goals of the year in 2012 including his longest of the campaign (48 yards versus Edmonton on October 19), a streak that spanned six regular season games. He was also good on all five post-season attempts extending his playoff streak to an incredible 34-straight successful field goals.

“I feel as good as I ever have and I’m looking forward to 2013 probably more than any other season in a long time,” said McCallum. “We have all the pieces in place to win a championship and that is my single goal heading into the season.”