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“These fans are very passionate. This is one of those places I didn’t like playing because it was a tough place to play no matter what the record of the team was. You have to respect that passion.’’

Moon played a combined 22 seasons in the CFL and NFL. He began his career in 1978 with Edmonton before signing with the NFL’s Houston Oilers in 1984. Moon also played for the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs before retiring in January of 2001.

It was the length of Moon’s football career and his success as a quarterback that earned Calvillo’s respect.

“What he did in Edmonton hasn’t been done since,’’ said Calvillo, a 20-year CFLer and pro football’s all-time leader in passing yards (79,816). “He did it for many years and not only in the CFL, but in the NFL. It’s one of those things you try to duplicate, but no one has done it since.’’

Reilly grew up Washington and was aware of Moon’s NFL exploits. Reilly became even more familiar with Moon’s CFL accomplishments after joining the Eskimos in 2013.

“When I started to play for Edmonton, that’s all I heard about was Warren Moon,’’ Reilly said. “It’s certainly not lost on me the amount of legendary status that he holds.’’

Reilly, who was the CFL’s passing leader with 5,554 yards in 2016 and was named the 2015 Grey Cup MVP after leading Edmonton to a title, felt honoured to share the stage with Moon and Calvillo.

“Those are two incredible legends,” Reilly said. “When I found out I had the opportunity to stand with those guys, I didn’t feel like I deserved to be up there … It was an incredible opportunity and I won’t forget it.”

mmccormick@postmedia.com

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