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Four Key Free Agents to Sign With Rattlers

September 28, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Detroit Drive News Release


PHOENIX - Four players who have had significant careers with the Arizona Rattlers and were eligible for free agency intend to re-sign with the Arena Football League team, head coach Gene Nudo announced today.

Quarterback Sherdrick Bonner, wide receiver/defensive back Justin Taplin, and offensive/defensive linemen Wendall Gaines and Mark Tucker will ink deals when the league-signing period starts on October 1. Terms of their contracts were not disclosed.

"These signings are a big priority for us," Nudo said. "We are very happy to get all of these guys back for another year, especially Sherdrick. With everything he has done for this franchise, we would like nothing more than to see him finish his career in Arizona."

Last season, Bonner threw for 2,334 yards and 51 touchdowns in nine games. In his 13 years with the club, Bonner is the Rattlers all-time leader in passing yards (32,935), touchdowns (663), completions (2,644), and attempts (4,267). He ranks third in AFL history in touchdown passes, and second in yards, completions, and attempts. The two-time first team "All-Arena" quarterback is one of only three players to throw for over 30,000 yards and 600 touchdowns.

In 1994, Bonner led the Rattlers to their first championship while earning ArenaBowl VII MVP honors by completing an ArenaBowl record 25 passes.

Bonner (6-foot-4, 240 pounds), played college football at Cal State-Northridge. His professional experience also includes time with the NFL's Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, and San Diego Chargers.

Taplin (6-foot-0, 185 pounds) will return to the Rattlers after being traded to the Georgia Force last season. Before the trade, he caught five passes for 66 yards and two touchdowns.

The former Arizona State Sun Devil joined the Rattlers in 2004 after working out at an open tryout. In his rookie season, Taplin caught 15 passes for 223 yards and five touchdowns.

"Taplin was a great find for our club a couple of years ago. We expect him to make some big contributions this season," Nudo said.

Gaines (6-foot-5, 290 pounds) will enter his sixth season with the Rattlers. Last year, he appeared in 12 games, recording 16 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. He also returned an interception 21 yards for a score, batted three passes, and recovered two fumbles. Offensively, he added five receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown.

In his five-year career, Gaines has made 86 tackles and a team record 13 sacks. He has also recorded two interceptions, recovered four fumbles including two for scores, blocked four kicks, and recovered a blocked field goal for a score. Gaines has 20 career receptions for 217 yards and eight touchdowns. In 2004, he was named to the AFL's "All-Ironman" Team.

The lineman has also spent time in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals (1993-96), Kansas City Chiefs (1997), and Philadelphia Eagles (1998-99).

"Gaines was a guy that a lot of teams contacted. We are glad he will be back in a Rattler uniform," Nudo said.

Tucker (6-foot-3, 295 pounds) will enter his tenth season with the franchise. He played in ten games before a bicep injury ended his season, recording five and a half tackles, two batted passes, and a blocked kick.

A four-year starter at USC, Tucker earned All-PAC-10 honors as a sophomore and All-America honors as a junior. As a senior, he was nominated for the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award. In 1991, Gaines was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the NFL draft. Since then, he has spent time with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts (1992), Arizona Cardinals (1993-94), and Jacksonville Jaguars.

"Tuck is another guy that deserves to finish his career here. He has been such a mainstay for our line the last decade," Nudo said.

The Rattlers will kick off their 15th season in the 20-year-old Arena Football League in January of 2006. Rattler season tickets, which include all eight games played at America West Arena, can be purchased by calling 602-514-8300.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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