Rush signs QB Michna to two-year contract extension
August 7, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
The Chicago Rush has signed quarterback Russ Michna to a two-year contract extension, locking its starting QB up through the 2011 season, the team announced today.
"We are excited to be able to extend Russ' contract," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "I don't remember too many quarterbacks who have come into this league without indoor experience and have played as well as he has. His growth in one year was tremendous. If his development continues at the same pace, he will have a long, bright future in Chicago."
Michna, who grew up in Elk Grove and attended Conant High School and Western Illinois University, just completed his second season in the AFL. While at Western Illinois, he was named the Gateway Conference's Offensive Player of the Year in both 2002 and 2003, becoming only the third player in conference history to capture back-to-back Offensive Player of the Year honors. As a senior, he set school single-season records for passing yards (3,160) and total offense (3,327), and finished his career ranked second in school history in career passing yards (6,434).
Prior to joining the Rush in 2007, Michna spent time on the practice squad of the NFL's St. Louis Rams (2004) and spent two seasons playing with the CFL's Winnepeg Blue Bombers (2005-06).
After beginning the 2008 season as the team's backup QB, Michna took over as the team's starter Week 7 in Kansas City, after a knee injury forced Sherdrick Bonner out of the lineup. He played so well that he kept the job, finishing the regular season with an 8-3 record as the team's starter. For the year Michna completed 239 of 349 passes for 2,721 yards and 57 touchdowns, while only throwing seven interceptions. He finished the season ranked fourth in the AFL in quarterback rating (122.9) and third in completion percentage (68.5). In addition, Michna gave the offense the option of having a mobile QB, rushing for 98 yards and 14 TDs.
"I'm a Chicago guy and am excited to continue playing in my hometown," said Michna. "I have a great deal of respect for everyone in the organization - from the coaches to the front office - and look forward to helping bring another ArenaBowl title to Chicago."
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