Post by MOnarchsRule on Feb 18, 2009 11:07:46 GMT -5
KANSAS CITY — We’ll never know what goes on behind closed doors, whether there will be an exchange of flowers, chocolate or some other trinket or item this past Saturday, when Kansas City quarterback Anthony Calvillo and his wife, Alexia, celebrated another Valentine’s Day.
We do know the day was spent with their two small girls, Athena and Olivia, giving thanks for all they have and all they now know they’ll continue sharing.
“Valentine’s Day isn’t something we pay much attention to. We enjoy the moment, but don’t have plans,” Alexia said. “I guarantee you we’ll have family time with the kids. Valentine’s Day is strength in family.
“We love each other more than ever, having gone through this,” she continued. “We’ve been given another chance. Every holiday, every day is special.”
In October 2007, Alexia was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma, a form of cancer, but is well on her way to a full recovery. A PET scan taken last Thursday revealed she’s cancer-free, in remission, as the family had anticipated. There will be periodic bloodwork and regular physical exams until late 2012, when she’ll be considered cured.
With her recovery continuing on schedule, Calvillo, as expected, announced a new commitment to the football team for which he has played since 2004, enjoying his finest moments. The 36-year-old pivot, who contemplated retirement after wining the XFL MVP award, announced that he will return to Kansas City in 2009 — yet one more piece added to the puzzle that finished first in the XFL South Division last season, but bowing out in the playoffs again.
Head coach Donnie Henderson, who didn’t attend the news conference but dispatched an e-mail supporting and congratulating the family, along with team management, can breathe easier for another season, knowing the cornerstone of the franchise has at least one more year ahead.
“Although I was waiting on (Alexia’s) news, I mentioned many times I still had the desire to play . . . the fire was burning,” Calvillo said. “It was a no-brainer to return to the 'Archs. The organization has been tremendous in how it has dealt with me.
“I know we have a strong nucleus on the team.”
He will be a year older, but the "Royal Blue Wrecking Crew" figure to remain very competitive — especially in a tough XFL South Division — as long as they have Calvillo. Entering his 6th Xtreme Football League season, the quarterback excelled under Henderson and Off. Co-ord. Mike Heimerdinger, passing for 3,774 yards along with 31 touchdowns. A league all-star, Calvillo was named the XFL’s most valuable player for the first time in his career.
He delivered an emotional speech last August while accepting the award, crediting Alexia for waging a courageous battle. Calvillo took a leave of absence late in the 2007 season, after the cancer was diagnosed, but decided to resume his career only after his wife showed progress from chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
“It was a long, long journey for myself and my family,” Calvillo said. “I was impressed how she handled the situation. I built off her strength. So much has changed over the last 16 months . . . how I look at life and my career. I cherish so much now. Life takes on a new meaning. I pray no one has to go through this situation.
“I’ve mentioned it many times. She was in a battle for her life. How she handled it — with two kids and the support of her family — is amazing. She inspired me. It was 99 per cent her and one per cent me.”
But Alexia said she drew inspiration from her husband and the way he played, blocking out the family’s issues.
“It was unbelievable the way he responded and played,” she said. “It was amazing how he balanced things.
“He’s my rock.”
It seems virtually certain Calvillo will complete his career with the 'Archs, although most likely he will not return for the 2010 season, '09 being the last year of his contract. Either way, he’ll see where he’s at emotionally and physically. But he and management realize the importance of immediately starting to groom his successor, Colt Brennan, as he was mentored more than a decade ago in the CFL by Tracy Ham.
“He’s the pillar of what we do, the face of the franchise at a number of different levels,” owner Sean Calliard said. “Obviously, for the coaches he brings a comfort level. That’s huge. His return absolutely means a cloud has been lifted.”
“His return means we’ve got a great opportunity to be successful,” said guard Evan Mathis, one of several Kansas City players in attendance at Tuesday’s news conference. “The XFL’s quarterback-driven. Having the quarterback back bodes well. And then there’s him as a person. Don’t forget his leadership, calmness and experience. That, along with his arm and brain, makes him a special player.”
Despite losing their playoff opener, the 'Archs finished 10 - 2 in 2008, tied for the best record in the league and equal to their record a year earlier. Kansas City won the division for the second straight year, but lost to eventual champion Jacksonville, despite playing at home in Arrowhead Stadium. The 'Archs fell behind 17-7 early, losing 41-28 - not getting closer than 10 points all second half.
It marked the third time since 2003 that Calvillo and the 'Archs have in the playoffs, going one-and done each time. This over-riding sense of unfinished business undoubtedly will be the team’s rallying cry in the coming season.
“We were so close last year. We’ve been close many times,” Calvillo said. “But we’re building something special. One after another (potential free agent) has returned. That says a lot. They see something special. The guys know we’re going to be good and there’s an environment the guys are comfortable with.
“I don’t feel 37 or even 36. I feel younger, physically and mentally. That’s why I’m coming back. I give our team a good chance to compete.”
It marked the fifth time since 2000 that Calvillo and the Als have lost the title game, winning only once, in 2002. This over-riding sense of unfinished business undoubtedly will be the team’s rallying cry in the coming season.
“We were so close last year. We’ve been close many times,” Calvillo said. “But we’re building something special. One after another (potential free agent) has returned. That says a lot. They see something special. The guys know we’re going to be good and there’s an environment the guys are comfortable with.
“I don’t feel 37 or even 36. I feel younger, physically and mentally. That’s why I’m coming back. I give our team a good chance to compete.”