Calgary

CFL receptions leader Nik Lewis retires as Calgary Stampeder

The CFL's career leader in receptions played the last three seasons with the Montreal Alouettes, but Nik Lewis signed a one-day contract with Calgary so he could retire with the team he took to the field with for 11 years.

He played last 3 seasons with the Montreal Alouettes after suiting up for the Stampeders for 11 years

Nik Lewis, a 36-year-old native of Mineral Wells, Texas, caught 1,051 passes for 13,778 yards during his career. He also scored 71 touchdowns.

Nik Lewis is retiring as a member of the Calgary Stampeders.

The CFL's career leader in receptions played the last three seasons with the Montreal Alouettes, but he announced Friday that he signed a one-day contract with Calgary so he could retire with the team he took to the field with for 11 years.

Lewis played the last three seasons with the Montreal Alouettes after suiting up for the Calgary Stampeders for 11 years. (Graham Hughes/Canadian Press)

The 36-year-old native of Mineral Wells, Texas, caught 1,051 passes for 13,778 yards during his career. He also scored 71 touchdowns.

Lewis holds the Stampeders record with 165 consecutive games played, was a three-time CFL all-star and won two Grey Cups.

Lewis was CFL rookie of the year in 2004 after completing his college career at Southern Arkansas.

"Nik was an important player for this organization for many years and it's fitting that he retires as a member of the Stampeders," Stampeders president-general manager John Hufnagel said in a statement.

"In particular, I recall Nik's outstanding performance in the 2008 Grey Cup — 11 catches for 122 yards — to help us win a championship. His accomplishments on the field speak for themselves as Nik was certainly one of most popular players in Stampeders history with our fans. We celebrate his career on this day and wish him all the best for the future."