“I know what I’m capable of,” the Canadian receiver says.
It obviously takes more than scoring the winning touchdown in the Grey Cup to pique interest from NFL teams.
“It’s pretty crazy and I look at (the statistics) too,” Philpot said on Wednesday. “I’m definitely shocking myself. I knew I was capable of doing these things, but maybe not this early in the season or career. I know what I’m capable of.”
Philpot is on pace for 144 receptions and 2,030 yards based on an 18-game season, numbers that certainly would warrant consideration for the CFL’s most outstanding player and top Canadian awards.
Hal Patterson, back in 1956, holds the team record for receiving yards (1,914), with Jamel Richardson next. He produced 1,777 yards in 2011. Ben Cahoon holds the franchise record (1,561 yards) for a non-import receiver, set in 2003. Cahoon and Richardson both caught 112 passes for Montreal in those record-setting seasons.
Only three receivers in CFL history have had 2,000-yard seasons — Allen Pitts (2,036 yards for Calgary in 1994); Terry Greer (2,003 yards for Toronto in 1983) and Derrell Mitchell (2,000 yards for Toronto in 1998).
“I’m trying to be the best ever,” Philpot said. “That’s the mindset I’ve always had for myself. When I was training last winter I said ‘why not me?’ That’s something that really resonated. It’s about getting the opportunity and seizing it. I’d love to be the best and etch my name in history forever.”
Philpot remained in Montreal last winter, working with strength and conditioning coach Pierre-Olivier Breault.
“Another injured season would not benefit me,” Philpot admitted. “Realistically, it could have me out of here. It’s understanding I have to think about myself, the team and football first.
“I’d love to be down there (in the NFL) but … when the opportunity does come I’ll definitely seize it and make the most of it,” added Philpot, selected ninth overall by the Als in 2022. “I’m very confident, if I do get a shot, I’ll know I can stick. Having one workout after my rookie year I figured I’d have five more and stick. It definitely hurt the confidence being overlooked, even with the finish and how consistent I stayed. It gave me another opportunity to return, handle business and show what they missed.”
“I still want to be that guy every week, the person that puts up the big yards, handles business and gets our team wins,” he said. “There won’t be any falling off. I’ll do my best and everything I can to make sure I’m staying consistent.”
“I want to be known as the best,” he said. “Not just the best ratio guy or Canadian guy.”