The clock may have turned, but the Stamps' Paredes will continue to kick

Calgary Stampeders quarterback Rene Paredes celebrated a big birthday on Wednesday.

In a team meeting, head coach Dave Dickenson says the youngster may have been accidentally targeted.

“We got to celebrate Renee's 40th birthday, too,” Dickenson told the team.

“He told me he wasn't in his 40s,” Dickenson later said.

He took the opportunity

In fact, Paredes turned 39 on Wednesday.

It continues to split the pillars even as it orbits the sun once more.

He joined the Marks in 2011 and has been with them ever since.

This year will be his 13th season in the red and white group.

He admits he didn't think he'd still be kicking after all these years.

“I would tell you, you're crazy,” Paredes said after practice.

“I was supposed to be here for a couple of weeks to replace (Rob) Mawer, right? … I got a chance for a moment and I took the chance, and it worked out.

“Thirteen years later, I'm still here, trying to do my best. Just trying to have fun and try to win another Gray Cup.”

Mr. Consistent

In all his years in the league, Paredes has been one of its most consistent players.

His goal scoring percentage is 87.5.

Mark Killam, assistant head coach and special teams coordinator, said there's a reason for Paredes' longevity.

“It's his desire to do well,” Killam said.

“He knows what to do in the offseason. He knows what it takes. It's always been about the next shot with Renee. He's very active right now and doesn't get too high or too low and just shows up every day.”

Off-season shoulder surgery

Paredes has been healthy throughout his career and has never missed a game.

But this offseason was different.

He had to undergo shoulder surgery and is easing into training camp.

He admits it wasn't easy.

“Yeah, it was a little tough. You know, a tight shoulder,” he said.

“It's going to take some time to get back to what I had, but it's going well now, so hopefully I'll be ready to go in Week 1.”

Age is just a number

Paredes' teammates have been amazed at how good he's been over the years, but they're not anymore.

Punter Cody Grace says teammates no longer fret about his age.

“I did, my first two years, but the older he gets, the more cranky he gets, so you can't really hurt him,” Grace said with a laugh.

How long will it last?

Every year at the end of the season, Paredes wonders if he wants to continue kicking.

He says this year won't be any different and he doesn't know how long it will last.

“I wasn't premeditated,” Paredes said.

“I take it once a year, so I'm on a one-year contract. Right now, I'm just focused on training camp.”

“You know, just get my rhythm and get ready for the season and then see what happens. I will make a decision later, by the end of the year.”

It's a big weekend for stamps.

On Saturday, it's the annual fan fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Then on Sunday it's the red-white game.

Its gates open at 2:30 p.m