A Super Star -- Arena Style

July 18, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release

But at a recent Gladiators' team barbeque, Coach Shaw discovered that Chris shadowed Gladiators' OS MIKE HORACEK. The speedy receiver, who wears No. 1 for the Gladiators, was No. 1 in Chris' eyes.

This was the "Michael" he was referring to all along.

Fans, quarterbacks, coaches, opposing players – you name it – when you bring up the name Mike Horacek, respect is given to his accomplishments. As the Arena Football League's Offensive Player of the Month (June), this 6-foot-2, 205-pound wide receiver out of Iowa State was named game MVP in two games during the month. During that five-week span, Horacek caught 36 passes for 401 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Horacek's professional football career has been a journey.

After a stint in the NFL and NFL-Europe for two years after college, he was called to Des Moines, Iowa to play for the AFL's Barnstormers team. Following four outstanding seasons, the Jacksonville Jaguars lured Horacek into the NFL, forgoing the 2001 season when the Barnstormers moved to Uniondale, N.Y., as the New York Dragons. Horacek eventually landed on the Green Bay Packers roster for training camp, but was waived before the first regular season game.

"Everybody brings something different to the table, and it's up to them to go out and do their best," Horacek said. "My own willingness to play professional football is what pushed me more than anything. Just going out there and seeing guys and what it took to get to that level, it just made me work harder. Wanting to play is the primary factor in my motivation."

Even after playing his rookie season in Iowa, on the receiving end of NFL MVP KURT WARNER's passes, Horacek's favorite gunslinger is the Dragons' AARON GARCIA. When Garcia was traded to the Barnstormers in 1998 from the then-New Jersey Red Dogs, their chemistry was instantaneous.

"Mike and I played in one of the best year's anybody could have in football," Garcia said of Iowa's 2000 season. That year, Garcia finished the season with a record 92 touchdown passes (a record Garcia would break the following season with 104 TD strikes), connecting a record 46 with Horacek. Although the pair didn't make it to the ArenaBowl, Horacek was named Offensive Player of the Year.

"He wants the ball all the time and that's what makes him great," Garcia said. "If you're in the huddle and you ask him, ‘Mike can you beat this guy? ' He always says ‘Yes!' He's confident. That's why he's such a great player. He has a great attitude and would do did anything he could to help the team win."

Today, Horacek lights up the New Jersey scoreboard with Gladiators signal caller JAY MCDONAGH.

"He brings a lot to this team because of his experience," said McDonagh. "He knows how to run routes with other receivers, he's a team leader, he's just great to work with."

Horacek's offensive power, sparkling attitude, and gritty work-ethic are appreciated by all. When Gladiators head coach FRANK HAEGE first arrived in New Jersey, he inherited a 2-12 team. In order to turn things around, Haege knew that he needed a player of Horacek's caliber.

"He has a little bit of everything," Haege said. "He's fast, or sometimes he just gets open. He's tough, makes tackles, and creates plays. Other times he runs great routes, and completes the play when he's open." With that, Horacek has led the Gladiators to the playoffs for the first time since 1998.

This star shines bright on the 50-yard field, he – and Gladiators fans alike -- certainly hope he will continue to illuminate the path for his New Jersey team to an ArenaBowl title.

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 18, 2002

• This week in the AFL - OSC Original by Mark Sargent
• Central Division All-Stars Named - Portland Forest Dragons
• Phantoms Come Up One Play Short of Playoff Spot - Toronto Phantoms
• SaberCats Sign QB Scott Wood - San Jose SaberCats
• Desperados Lose Lineman to Super Bowl Champs - Dallas Desperados
• Quick Hitters - AFL I
• A Super Star -- Arena Style - AFL I
• Arena Football League Transactions - AFL I

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