CFL.ca Staff

TORONTO -- Don Ellis will be working his 500th game as a CFL official on Saturday afternoon in Toronto when the Toronto Argonauts host the Montreal Alouettes.

Ellis, a back judge in his 28th CFL season, will achieve a milestone that many consider out of reach for current officials. These days, officials work an average of 14 games per season so it would take an individual more than 30 years on the field to reach Ellis’ mark.

Since the CFL started keeping track of the numbers, three officials have reached the 500-game plateau including referees Jake Ireland and Ken Lazaruk in addition to field judge Al McColman. However, based on their years of service it is also believed that Jacques Décarie, Chuck Paul and Don Barker reached the 500-game mark.

Ellis worked his 9th Grey Cup game at the 2007 Grey Cup in Toronto.

The 26-year CFL veteran from Newmarket, Ont. also appeared in a Grey Cup in 1986 (alternate), 1988 (line judge), 1992 (alternate), 1993 (back judge), 1994 (back judge), 1999 (alternate), 2005 (back judge) and 2006 (back judge).

Ellis officiated his first ever CFL game, a preseason contest, in Ottawa in 1982. He has worked a variety of positions over the years, from head linesman to field judge to referee. For the past several years he has worked as a back judge and is considered one of the best at his position in the CFL.

There are too many memorable moments from Ellis’ career for him to list, but does highlight the scary flights into Shreveport due to storms and tornadoes as an aspect of his job he will not forget.

Ellis has had the opportunity to work with several great officials during his time in the CFL. He cites Lorne Woods, his first crew chief, Ross Perrier and Jake Ireland for making an impact on his career as an official.

Don was born in 1950 in Toronto, Ontario.