January 31, 2012

Alouettes wide receiver Kerry Watkins catches a pass during the warmup prior to facing the Stampeders at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, Alta., Aug. 27, 2011. (AL CHAREST/QMI Agency)

MONTREAL - Montreal Alouettes wide receiver Kerry Watkins announced his retirement on Tuesday.

During his eight-year career, Watkins caught 515 passes for 7,431 yards and 48 touchdowns.

"We congratulate Kerry for a fantastic career and thank him for helping us build such a successful football team," said general manager Jim Popp of Watkins, who was a key contributor to the back-to-back Grey Cups won by the Alouettes in 2009 and 2010.

Watkins eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark for five consecutive seasons from 2005-2009.

Last season, Watkins caught his 500th career pass, surpassing Red O'Quinn for the No. 2 spot on Montreal's all-time receptions list behind Ben Cahoon.