MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – His legendary quarterback has understandably drawn much of the spotlight this season, but receiver Jamel Richardson is ready for his close-up.
Now in his eighth CFL campaign, Richardson has brought his game to a whole new level and the league record book might soon reflect that. Already running away with the CFL’s receiving yards and receptions crowns for 2011 with 1,661 and 105 and counting, Richardson is also on the brink of history.
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Richardson, who is in the midst of a career season, has been no stranger to the end zone this year. |
The author of 11 games with over 100 yards receiving this season, the 29 year-old has already tied the league record for 100-yard games in a season. If he cracks the century mark once more he will have the record all to himself.
“I came in with goals this year and I’m just trying to make them come alive,” explained Richardson. “I feel like I’m one of the best receivers in the league and I just want to go out there and show it. As a receiver, I’m confident that I’m the total package. That’s who J-Rich is.”
Under-promising and over-delivering clearly isn’t his style, either. When pressed for his yardage goals coming into the season, the 2,000 yard mark was the star Richardson was shooting for.
“I feel with 2,000 yards, a receiver can win the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player award,” professed Richardson who is only 339 yards shy of the mark. “I think that you can be in the talks with those types of numbers behind you. Since I’ve been playing in the CFL no receiver has achieved that.”
If Richardson does hit the 100 mark one more time or reach the 2,000 yard plateau, the question becomes what will he do with those footballs?
“I know that I wouldn’t toss them in the stands like I did AC’s ball,” laughed Richardson of Calvillo’s 72,832 all-time yardage record ball which he mistakenly tossed into the crowd this season after scoring a touchdown. “Nope, that baby would go up on my shelf or maybe in my man cave at home.”
Having already helped Calvillo make history, Richardson is confident he has some payback coming his way.
“Yes, you bet I think he owes me one,” said Richardson with a smile. “And AC, if you’re listening, I need you to help me go get this!”
“But seriously, as long as I’m in the game plan, I’m good with that.”
