CALGARY - Another year, another CFL outstanding player award for Anthony Calvillo.

The Montreal Alouettes quarterback received the league's top individual honour Thursday night for the second straight year and third time in his illustrious 16-year career.

"It just blows me away because I remember where I came from," Calvillo said. "I was from California, a little Mexican kid probably not more than 145 pounds.

"I didn't know anything about the CFL until someone gave me a call. I think of the whole process and it humbles me."

Calvillo received 44 of 55 ballots in voting conducted by the Football Reporters of Canada and the CFL's eight head coaches. Calgary Stampeders tailback Joffrey Reynolds, who ran for a league-best 1,504 yards, was the West Division finalist.

Historic

Calvillo, 37, becomes just the fourth player in league history to win the award three or more times, joining Canadian Football Hall of Famers Jackie Parker, Russ Jackson and Doug Flutie.

"I remember watching Doug Flutie when I came into the league and I wanted to be an elite quarterback," Calvillo said. "It (winning award three times) is something I'm always going to remember in my living room and seeing these trophies.

"It's amazing."

Stellar season

Calvillo enjoyed a banner '09 season, completing a stellar 72 per cent of his passes in helping lead Montreal to a CFL-best 15-3 record. His passing completion average was his best since coming north of the border in 1994 with the expansion Las Vegas Posse.

Calvillo also finished the season with a league-high 108.4 quarterback rating that exceeded last year's mark, and threw just six interceptions in 550 pass attempts, the fewest picks given up by a CFL starter.

Credits training

Calvillo said a stringent off-season training program was a big reason for his success this season. And while he wants to continue playing, he'll again take the off-season to re-evaluate his future.

Calvillo was one of three Alouettes to receive awards as Scott Flory was named top lineman and kick-returner Larry Taylor captures special-teams honours. Defensive end Anwar Stewart and slotback Ben Cahoon were finalists as top defensive player and top Canadian, respectively.

All five Alouettes will be in action Sunday when Montreal faces the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the 97th Grey Cup at McMahon Stadium (TSN, 6 p.m. ET).