Anthony Cavillo's career in the CFL shows that you sometimes have to be patient  as even the greatest players need to gain experience before blossoming.  Calvillo signed with the expansion Los Vegas Posse in April of 1994 and had a not so great rookie season, completing only 44.3% of his passes. When the Posse folded, Calvillo was taken in the first round of the dispersal draft by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.  Calvillo had three decent, if not outstanding, seasons with the Tiger-Cats from 1995 to 1997, but he o was released by Hamilton in March of 1998 and signed up with the Montreal Alouettes.   Calvillo didn't see as much action in the next two years (1998 and 1999), but the two years were well spent as Calvillo had the benefit of watching a future Hall of Fame quarterback Tracy Ham at the helm of the Alouettes.  With Ham's retirement, Calvillo took over the starting QB in 2000 and started to put up some big numbers, including six seasons over 5000 yards in passing and one over 6000. In 2011, Calvillo  passed Damon Allen to become the all-time CFL passing leader in yards. Calvillo also broke CFL records for most career touchdown passes and completed passes.

In many wways, Calvillo is not the protypical CFL quarterback.  Calvillo is not a running quarterback likee Damon Allen or Tracy Ham, but a drop back passer.  Calvillo's greatest strength is his ability to read the defence and get the ball away quickly to the open man. Since taking over as a starter with Montreal, Calvillo has had very high pass completion numbers, normally in the high sixties. Calvillo doesn't run the ball much, but he can pick his spots and pick up big firstdowns wihen he does take off.

Through the end of the 2011 season, Calvillo has won 9 East division All-Stars (2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011), 4 CFL All-Stars (2002, 2003, 2008 and 2009), and has won the Most Outstanding Player Awarwd in the CFL three times (2003, 2008 and 2009).

If there was one knock on Calvillo, for a while it was a lack of Grey Cups.  The Alouettes, under Calvillo, had dominated the East and from 2000 through 2008, the Alouettes went to the Grey Cup in 6 of of those seven years, winning only once.  The Alouettes won in 2002, but lost in 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2008.  Calvillo and the Alouettes helped erase that legacy with back to back Grey Cups in 2009 and 2010 with Calvillo being named the top player in the 2009 Grey Cup.

Calvillo's life has not all been a bed of roses. Both Calvillo and his wife suffered through serious illnesses that they both came back from on route to Calvilo shattering most of the career passing marks in the CFL.  There is no doubt that when Calvillo retires, they will be rolling out the red carpet to the Candadian Football Hall of Fame.

Anthony Calvillo in Wikipedia

Anthony Calvillo on cfl.ca

Calvillo Given Keys to the City December, 2011

Bio of Calvillo on TSN

For Alouette's Calvillo, 35 is the New 30 - August 25, 2007

Alouettes' Anthony Calvillo Hopes Birthday Will be Record Breaker - August 23, 2012

Calvillo Belongs in Pro Football Hall of Fame - August 29, 2012

Calvillo's Time in Montreal far From Over - December 14, 2012

Every CFL team has two opportunities per season to remove a player from the nine-game injured list, and doing so remains an option for the Alouettes and Calvillo, depending on his recovery process.

Anthony Calvillo Will Not Return in 2013
Montreal, October 18, 2013
The Montreal Alouettes announced on Friday that veteran quarterback Anthony Calvillo will miss the remainder of the 2013 season. Calvillo suffered a concussion in the second quarter against Saskatchewan on August 17 and was placed on the nine-game injured list for precautionary reasons. He would have been eligible to return to the Alouettes' active roster in time for the regular season finale against the Toronto Argonauts on November 1, but Calvillo suffered a minor setback this week. After consulting doctors, Calvillo has decided not to return in 2013.

Anthony Calvillo retires after a glorious 20-season career
Montreal, January 21, 2014
Legendary Montreal Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo announced on Tuesday that he is retiring following 20 memorable seasons in the CFL, closing one of the greatest careers in all of professional football. The longtime face of the franchise and five-time CFL All-Star was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player on three separate occasions over the course of his career and holds league records of 79,816 passing yards, 455 touchdown passes, 5,892 completions and 9,437 pass attempts.

"It has been quite a ride! As a kid growing up in California, I never thought that it would be possible to play professional football for 20 years in a country and a city that I knew nothing of," explained Calvillo, who resides in Montreal with his wife Alexia and two daughters Olivia and Athena. "I will forever be thankful to our owner Bob Wetenhall and General Manager Jim Popp for allowing this franchise to have all the success that we have had over the years. The city of Montreal and all the great Alouettes fans across the Province of Quebec have embraced me and that feeling is mutual."

Calvillo broke into the CFL with the Las Vegas Posse in 1994 and spent the following three seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats before rising to stardom after joining the Montreal Alouettes in 1998. Serving as quarterback Tracy Ham's understudy for two seasons, Calvillo took over as the starting pivot in 2000 on his way to winning three Grey Cups with Montreal in 2002, 2009, and in 2010. He was also named the 2002 Grey Cup Most Outstanding Player.

"My family has been privileged to be associated with Anthony over all these years," said Alouettes owner Bob Wetenhall. "We wish him well and are looking ahead to our continuing engagement."

Calvillo, who was presented with the Key to the City at the end of the 2011 season, led the Alouettes to eight Grey Cup tilts and owns several championship records for most pass completions (179), passing yards (2,470) and touchdown passes thrown.

"Today a hero to many steps to the side, not to be forgotten but to be cherished and respected for years to come. Anthony, you have earned your stripes," added Alouettes General Manager and Head Coach Jim Popp. "I, first and foremost, want to thank you for being a true gentleman and professional. Secondly, for inspiring us all with your courage and determination. And thirdly, for being such a great leader on and off the field. Your will to help and give has made us all better people, and the Alouettes a better family. I wish you, Alexia, Athena, and Olivia many years of good health, happiness, and that memorable walk off into the sunset as you all reflect on what an outstanding career you have had and all that you have given to your family and work."

The veteran pivot became pro football's all-time passing leader in spectacular fashion at Percival Molson Stadium against the Toronto Argonauts on October 10, 2011, following a 50-yard touchdown strike to Jamel Richardson.

"On behalf of the organization, I want to thank Anthony for his great contributions to our team. Not only for what he has done on the field but in the community as well. Anthony was, and always will be a prestigious ambassador for the Alouettes," declared team President and CEO, Mark Weightman.

In 2012, Calvillo became the first QB in league history to reach the 5,000-plus passing yards mark seven times over his brilliant career. He also threw for over 300 yards in eight-straight games, breaking Doug Flutie's single-season CFL record of seven, set in 1991 with the B.C. Lions. That season, Calvillo deservingly earned his tenth nomination as the team's Most Outstanding Player.

"I would like to thank Anthony and Alexia for their contribution to the Alouettes organization and to the Montreal community throughout the years. I look forward to a continued association and friendship with Anthony and his family for many years to come," said Alouettes Chairman, Paul Harris. Calvillo is one of the Alouettes' most active members in the community, particularly with Cedars Cancer Institute.

Calvillo Adjusting to Life After Football