VANCOUVER — Veteran kicker Paul McCallum has come out of retirement to rejoin the B.C. Lions.
The Lions made the announcement Tuesday.
McCallum retired as a Lion in March.
The 46-year-old played 23 CFL seasons, including 11 with B.C. ('93 -'94, '06-'14). He also participated in 11 playoff games and two Grey Cup appearances (2006, 2011) with the Lions.
"We need to ensure that all areas of our kicking game are competitive with our opponents," Lions GM/head coach Wally Buono said in a statement. "By bringing in Paul and his playoff production, this is now assured."
On Saturday, kicker Richie Leone missed two converts and field goal attempts from 30 and 45 yards in B.C.'s 24-6 road win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders. While Leone sports a solid 49.3-yard punting average, he has hit 35-of-51 field goal attempts (68.6 per cent) this season.
McCallum made all 36 of his previous playoff field-goal attempts for the Lions, including a team-record six-for-six in the club's 2006 Grey Cup win.
"I'm happy to return and do whatever I can to help the club win a championship," said McCallum. "I believe that Richie and I together give the team a very strong kicking combination."
B.C. (11-6) hosts Saskatchewan (5-12) on Saturday and can cement second in the West Division with a win or tie. The Lions would also secure second if Winnipeg (10-7) lost or registered a tie Friday night against the Ottawa Redblacks (8-8-1), who've clinched first in the East Division.
