Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
OTTAWA – Nik Lewis was able to add his name to the CFL record books on Wednesday night, recording his 1000th career reception.
With 14:12 left in the third quarter, Lewis recorded a nine-yard gain to secure the milestone, another mark in the 14-year veteran’s illustrious career. The Montreal Alouettes wideout recorded the catch against the Ottawa REDBLACKS at TD Place. He entered the game just five receptions shy of the record. Lewis becomes the fourth player to reach the mark and ranks fourth all-time in receptions behind Geroy Simon, Ben Cahoon and Terry Vaughn.
The 35-year-old Texas native hinted before the year began that this could possibly be his final CFL season. He got off to a blazing start, breaking in with the Calgary Stampeders, and hasn’t looked back since.
Lewis instantly made an impact on the league when he debuted in 2004, winning Rookie of the Year honours while leading the Stamps in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. He won the Grey Cup twice with Calgary and is also three-time All-Star. From there, eight more seasons of 1,000-plus receiving yards followed before an injury forced him out midway through the 2013 season. Lewis sits second all-time in career receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns with Calgary and holds the mark of 166 consecutive games with a reception for the franchise.
He has been a member of the Alouettes since 2015 after signing with the team as a free agent. Last year, Lewis recorded his tenth season of over 1,000 receiving yards while leading the Als in that category as well as receptions.
As of the opening whistle, Lewis had 70 touchdowns and 13,323 receiving yards in his career.
