TORONTO — Warren Moon officially passed the torch to Damon Allen on Saturday.

Moon, the only player to be enshrined in both the Canadian and Pro Football Hall of Fames, was among the dignitaries who participated in a 21-minute pre-game ceremony honouring Allen for becoming pro football's career passing leader this week.

The Argos made Saturday "Damon Allen Day.''

Allen, 43, broke Moon's mark of 70,553 yards with a 29-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter of Toronto's 40-6 road win over Hamilton on Monday.

"The main reason I'm here today is not because he broke my record, but because of the respect I have for Damon Allen as a person,'' Moon said. "You guys have really been blessed to have an athlete of his calibre in your city.

"I want to thank you for showing Damon the love and support you showed me during my years in Canada. It's going to make the rest of his life here in Canada a very prosperous and very loving life for his family.''

Allen, in his 22nd CFL career, credited Moon for paving the way for him.

"If I had not watched you play at (the University of) Washington and Edmonton, I wouldn't be in the CFL today,'' Allen said. "Thank you for the inspiration.''

Allen wasn't at his best Saturday, completing 19-of-36 passes for 201 yards and three interceptions, but the Argos still managed an 11-9 win over Hamilton. The win was the fifth straight for Toronto (7-5), which moved into a first-place tie with idle Montreal (7-4) in the East Division.

The loss was the fifth straight for Hamilton (2-11).

Moon, like Allen, came to Canada for the opportunity to play quarterback and in six seasons was part of five Grey Cup championships with the Edmonton Eskimos. He left Canada to join the NFL's Houston Oilers in 1984 but during his induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio, last month, he gave a heart-felt thanks to Canada for giving him the chance to embark on a pro career.

Also taking part in the festivities was Allen's older brother Marcus, a former Super Bowl MVP and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Allen's parents, Harold and Gwen, were also on hand, as were Allen's three other brothers, his wife, Desiree, their three daughters and grandson, Justice. Argos president Keith Pelley represented the club while COO Michael Copeland was there on behalf of the CFL.   

In typical fashion, Allen appeared stoic throughout the ceremony, rarely smiling and at times looking as if he couldn't wait to put his helmet on and play. But Allen embraced both his brother Marcus, and Moon after they spoke.

"His career will be written in indelible ink,'' Marcus Allen said of his younger brother. "But what you've done as a brother, son, husband and father will live in our hearts forever. That's what we're most proud of.

"To all the citizens of Canada, thank you for allowing my brother to play the game that he loved, thank you for allowing him to make a living and more importantly thank you for letting him make a life, one that he enjoys in this wonderful country.''

After Moon's speech, he unveiled a plaque entitled A Pass With Class and presented it to Allen. Then, with Pelley speaking, Argos co-owners co-owners David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski made a grand entrance, driving on to the field in a 2006 black Ford Explorer featuring the license plate Can't Pass Me and presented it to Allen.

Pelley then shifted the audience's attention to the northeast area of Rogers Centre, where a banner depicting Allen's historic accomplishment was unravelled from the 200 level.

There was also a video tribute from Saskatchewan Roughriders coach Danny Barrett, former Miami Dolphin Dan Marino and Green Bay Packers veteran Brett Favre as well as a host of Argos players. Allen was also featured in a video montage playing for the six different teams he has suited up for during his illustrious 22-year CFL career.

When Allen came forward to speak, he thanked the Argos, his teammates, the CFL and Canadian football fans. But his warmest words were for his family. Only his sister was unable to attend.

"It's an absolute joy to see my whole family here,'' Damon Allen said. "It makes me ready to play the game of football.''

And after Justice Allen capped the festivities by performing the ceremonial opening kickoff, Damon Allen got the chance to do just that.