Ricky Ray returned to the Toronto Argonauts’ lineup on Saturday afternoon after a one-game absence and it looks like the 37-year-old quarterback’s shoulder has recovered just fine.
In the first half of the Argonauts’ Week 9 matchup against the Montreal Alouettes, the three-time Grey Cup champion completed 21 of 23 pass attempts and threw for 260 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Argos to a 35-0 lead at halftime.
Ray wasted no time getting his team on the board and it happened to be a historic first half for him as he became the Toronto Argonauts’ all-time leader in touchdown passes.
The previous record of 98 was held by Condredge Holloway, who set the record during his time with the Argonauts from 1981-1986. Not only does Ray now hold the record for most touchdown passes in a Toronto Argonauts uniform, he also set the same record when he was playing with the Edmonton Eskimos, where he threw a total of 210 touchdown passes.
He doesn’t hold the record for every team, though, so here’s a look at the other franchise leaders throughout the CFL.
BC Lions – Damon Allen
Damon Allen played for seven CFL franchises, including the Memphis Mad Dogs when the league expanded to the United States, and he set the franchise record for touchdown passes with one of those teams. Allen was a member of the BC Lions from 1996-2002 and threw a total of 136 touchdowns during that time.
Calgary Stampeders, Ottawa Redblacks – Henry Burris
Just like Ricky Ray, Henry Burris owns the records for most touchdown passes with two CFL franchises. The three-time Grey Cup champion spent two different stints with the Calgary Stampeders, the first one from 1997-1999 and the second from 2005-2011, and he threw a total of 203 touchdown passes in a Stampeders uniform. Burris also holds the record for most touchdown passes thrown in an Ottawa Redblacks uniform, as he threw a total of 49 touchdowns in his short stint with the team. However, Trevor Harris will most likely break that record this year or next year, as he’s currently sitting at 34 touchdowns in a Redblacks uniform.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats – Danny McManus
Danny McManus was a fan favourite during his time with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and it’s easy to figure out why. From 1998-2005, the 1999 CFL MOP threw a total of 164 touchdowns while he was with the Ticats.
Montreal Alouettes – Anthony Calvillo
This one is an obvious one. Anthony Calvillo is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game and his numbers prove it. During his time with the Montreal Alouettes from 1998-2013, Calvillo threw a total of 398 touchdowns. Calvillo also owns the CFL record for most career touchdown passes with a total of 455.
Saskatchewan Roughriders – Ron Lancaster
Just like Anthony Calvillo’s record with the Als, Ron Lancaster’s record with the Saskatchewan Roughriders is going to be a tough one to break. During his time with the Riders, Lancaster managed to throw a total of 299 touchdowns.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers – Dieter Brock
Dieter Brock played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 1974-1983 and holds the franchise record for touchdown passes with 187. Next up on the list behind Brock is Khari Jones, who threw 132 touchdown passes while he was with the Bombers.
