Lulay and the Leos, it's all about commitment

In a week where one high profile CFLer made his much discussed move to the NFL, another was taking a different path, throwing his future in with the league where he has found some impressive success in a very short time.

On Thursday, the BC Lions announced that they will have Travis Lulay in their future until the 2015 season, as the Lions QB signed on for a two year contract extension to remain in Leos Orange.

(See Lions video here)

It's a contract that will pay him more than 450,000 a season and places him at the top of the CFL pay grid along with Ricky Ray and Anthony Calvillo in the marquee quarterback category.

It is also a contract term that would seem to suggest that the lure of the NFL while always there for CFL players, didn't overshadow what is best for the QB, his family, the Lions and even the CFL.

Lulay's offensive skills have been on display for a number of years now for the Leos, slowed only by injury in the last season, which ended in a disappointment for British Columbia when they lost the CFL Western final to perennial rival the Calgary Stampeders.

That's a season ending disappointment that you get the feeling that Lulay and the Lions are anxious to address in 2013.

With the QB extended in the fold for the next three years, the prospect of more high flying offence from the Lions is secure, Lulay along with a stable of some of the best of offensive weapons available over the last few years, has provided for some of the most entertaining football that Lions fans have seen in years.

Wally Buono has made a habit of it over the years of ensuring that his offence is built around a strong quarterback, someone who can direct the offence and offer the kind of on field leadership that lifts a team around them.

In Lulay, the Lions have that and much more, a strong presence in the community for the Leos, who will do as much off the field as he does on it to help build the Lions brand in a crowded marketplace.

The QB spot as many a CFL team can tell you (hello Winnipeg) is the key decision that any GM and coach have to make.

Once again, Wally Buono has found the right guy for the job, at the right time.

Vancouver Sun-- Lions, Travis Lulay committed to each other, to winning another championship
Vancouver Sun-- Travis Lulay's ship safely secure in Lions' harbour
Vancouver Province-- Lions lock up Lulay with two-year contract extension
Canada.com-- Lions go long with Travis Lulay, sign star QB to contract extension
CBC-- Lions give QB Travis Lulay contract extension