Music: {allcanada} MCCALLUM TO PLAY 21ST SEASON, SIGNS EXTENSION WITH LIONS

Monday, February 4, 2013

{allcanada} MCCALLUM TO PLAY 21ST SEASON, SIGNS EXTENSION WITH LIONS

VANCOUVER -- B.C. Lions kicker Paul McCallum will return for his 21st season in the Canadian Football League.

McCallum, who was set to enter the option year of his current deal, has signed a contract extension with the Lions.

"Paul's consistency has been the hallmark of his illustrious career and I'm pleased to have him remain a part of the club," Lions general manager Wally Buono said Monday in a release.

McCallum played all 18 regular-season games for the Lions in 2012. The Vancouver native was successful on 44-of-52 field goal attempts.

"Special teams is a huge part of our success as a club and much of that success is a result of Paul's efforts," said head coach Mike Benevides. "He remains one of the very best in our league and certainly one of the best all-time and I' thrilled to have him back."

McCallum made 17 straight field goals to end the 2012 regular season. He was also good on all five post-season attempts to extend his playoff streak to 34 straight successful field goals.

"I feel as good as I ever have and I' looking forward to 2013 probably more than any other season in a long time," said McCallum. "We have all the pieces in place to win a championship and that is my single goal heading into the season."

Also on Monday, the team announced that Jarious Jackson will sign a one-day contract later this week in order to retire as a Lion. He will then join the coaching staff as a quarterbacks coach.

"Jarious has long been thought of as a very talented quarterback with a very gifted football mind," Benevides said. "His playing experience will be a tremendous asset to Jacques Chapdelaine and the offensive coaches as well as our players."

Jackson spent seven seasons in B.C. before joining the Toronto Argonauts in 2012. He posted a 2-2 record as a starter last year.

Jackson completed 72-of-135 pass attempts for 846 yards and four touchdowns, rushed 42 times for 122 yards and three touchdowns, and served as a backup in Toronto's Grey Cup victory over Calgary.

"I'm thrilled to be coming back to B.C. and I am very grateful to Mike Benevides for the opportunity to join the club as a coach," Jackson said. "I have enjoyed a wonderful playing career and I'm excited about the next phase of my football life."

Over eight CFL seasons, Jackson threw for 7,878 yards and won three Grey Cups.

The Lions also announced the departure of receivers coach Travis Moore. Jackson's addition to the staff is the only other change to B.C.'s coaching staff for the 2013 campaign.