CFL.ca
THE CANADIAN PRESS
Adrian McPherson is returning to the CFL.
The veteran quarterback has signed with the Calgary Stampeders, according to a source. McPherson, 30, spent five seasons with the Montreal Alouettes (2008-’12), earning Grey Cup rings in ’09 and 2010 with the club before being released to pursue other offers.
Instead of landing another CFL job, the six-foot-three, 220-pound native of Bradenton, Fla., spent last season with the Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League. McPherson appeared in 13 games, completing 238-of-385 passes (61.8 per cent) for 3,151 yards and 59 touchdowns with five interceptions.
McPherson also added 415 yards rushing on 91 carries with 31 TDs, all team highs. In 2004, McPherson was the AFL’s top rookie with the Indiana Firebirds.
In Montreal, McPherson served mostly as the backup behind Anthony Calvillo, completing 145-of-247 passes for 1,505 yards with 10 TDs and six interceptions during his time with the Alouettes.
He also rushed for 1,035 yards on 218 attempts, scoring 20 touchdowns.
On Sept. 11, 2010, McPherson started in place of an injured Calvillo and guided Montreal to a 27-6 road win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. In that game, McPherson completed 21-of-37 passes for 238 yards and a touchdown and also ran for 121 yards.
The addition of McPherson fills a need for Calgary, which lost veteran starter Kevin Glenn to the expansion Ottawa REDBLACKS last month. Glenn’s departure left the Stampeders with former starter Drew Tate and impressive youngster Bo Levi Mitchell under centre.
