Cahoon a legend to pigskin fans up north

Ben Cahoon hasn't changed one iota.

He's still the humble guy who played high school football at Orem's Mountain View High, went to Ricks College and tried unsuccessfully to break into Norm Chow's receiver clique in the 1990s.

But now, he's the CFL's all-time leading non-import receiver and headed for that league's hall of fame. It's there, a mere formality, where old "Velcro" will be remembered for circus catches, making impossible grabs, being consistent as taxes and just about everything but his speed.

If you go to the Internet and search Youtube.com for one of Ben Cahoon's catches, you'll quickly see why he's become a legend in a game played north of our border, and a game we do not see or hear much about.

While Cahoon and his Montreal Alouettes played Toronto on Saturday, he was only padding his totals.

Earlier this month, Cahoon passed Saskatchewan great Ray Elgaard for most career catches by a Canadian receiver in a win over Hamilton. In that game, Cahoon had 13 receptions, which tied the team record for catches in one game set in 1986 by James Hood against Calgary. Cahoon also passed the 1,000-yard mark for the seventh season in a row and the eighth time in his 11-year career.

Because Cahoon lived in Canada as a kid, he is considered a non-import player and his stats are separate from players brought in from the NFL or U.S. college football.

The Elgaard mark Cahoon busted is a significant milestone for the former Cougar receiver. He surpassed the 830 receptions by Elgaard set in 14 seasons with the Rough Riders, good for 13,198 yards and 78 touchdowns.

"I've been blessed to play a lot of years and remain relatively healthy," said Cahoon.

Playing slotback as a 38-year-old, Cahoon has taken it one season at a time, re-upping to the league after each season and discussions with his family.

"I've been surrounded by great teammates and a phenomenal offensive line. That has allowed (former Utah State quarterback Anthony Calvillo) to take the time to throw to an average receiver," Cahoon told the Montreal Gazette.

A guy who stands just 5-foot-9 and weighs 184 pounds, Cahoon has remarkable jumping ability and hands that are remarkably soft. He rarely drops a pass.