Hervey, Lions land prized QB, Reilly As anticipated, top free agent signs with B.C. for 4-year contract
SURREY (CP) — Mike Reilly sees himself winning Grey Cups with the B.C. Lions — a lot of Grey Cups.
“I felt like coming to B.C. was going to give me the best opportunity to win the most championships for the remainder of my career,” the star quarterback told reporters Tuesday after it was announced that he had inked a four-year, $2.9-million contract with the club.
The 34-year-old is no stranger to the Lions. He started his CFL career with B.C. in 2011 before Ed Hervey — then general manager of the Edmonton Eskimos — lured him to Alberta in 2013.
Reilly spent six years in Edmonton, developing into one of the league’s top quarterbacks and winning a Grey Cup in 2015.
“I’ve been through all of it — missed the playoffs, won a Grey Cup. Been at the lower end of the pack statistically, lead the league in stats. Won an (most outstanding player). None of that matters except for winning the Grey Cup,” said the 6-foot-3, 230-pound grad of Central Washington State. “That’s the only time I’ve ever felt fulfilled after a season.”
Last year, Reilly threw for 5,562 yards, 30 touchdowns and 18 interceptions, marking the third season in a row where he’s put up more than 5,500 yards.
It was a familiar face who brought Reilly back to the coast — Hervey is now the Lions’ GM and has committed to building a winning team around the star quarterback.