AFL 2005 training camp update
Published on January 18, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
DESTROYERS WAIVE VENA: The Columbus Destroyers waived 2004 starting QB RYAN VENA on Saturday, while head coach and general manager CHRIS SPIELMAN named five-year veteran CHAD SALISBURY as the No. 1 quarterback. "We came to the decision to let Ryan go based on the fact that as a staff we felt it was in the best interest of our football team," Spielman said. "Sometimes these decisions are hard to make, however, we are confident in the decision that was made."
PREDATORS EXTEND GRUDEN DEAL THROUGH 2008: Hall of Fame QB JAY GRUDEN will remain head coach and director of football operations of the Orlando Predators for at least three more seasons. Originally signed through 2006, Gruden inked a contract extension on Saturday that will take him through the 2008 season. "As Arena Football continues on the upswing, I am excited to remain a part of this great game and organization," Gruden said.
NASH ATTEMPTS TO BREAK TREND: 2004 Offensive Player of the Year, Las Vegas Gladiators OS MARCUS NASH set a single-season AFL record with 154 receptions in 2004, shattering the previous mark set by Albany's EDDIE BROWN (138) in 1999. Following is a chart of previous record holders' follow-up seasons:
RECORD-SETTING FOLLOW-UP SEASONS
PLAYER RECORD (SEASON) FOLLOWING SEASON
Marcus Nash, Las Vegas 154 (2004) ???
Eddie Brown, Albany 138 (1999) 12 (2000)*
Calvin Schexnayder, Arizona 136 (1998) 68 (1999)
Eddie Brown, Albany 135 (1997) 120 (1998)
* - retired after one game in 2000, but unretired in 2001.
SABERCATS TO GET EXTRA BITE IN SECONDARY: Expected to return from injury during the 2005 season is DS CLEVAN THOMAS, Defensive Player of the Year in 2002 and 2003. The defensive standout ranks No. 2 on the team's all-time list with 18 INTs and set a league record in 2003 with 13 picks. Thomas will return to a lineup that already boasts a stellar secondary that includes First-team All-Arena DS OMARR SMITH, All-Ironman selection RASHIED DAVIS and former NFL Pro Bowler TREMAIN MACK.
VooDoo OPENS TRAINING CAMP PRACTICE TO THE PUBLIC: As the New Orleans VooDoo's January 29 season opener approaches, fans will have an opportunity to view the team participate in training camp practice on Thursday, January 20. The open workout will be held at the New Orleans Saints indoor practice facility at 5800 Airline Drive in Metairie and will run from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 18, 2005
- Kats Release Flora and Royle - Nashville Kats
- Clear Channel returns as sponsor - Orlando Predators
- AFL 2005 training camp update - AFL I
- VooDoo acquire WR/LB Tremaine Neal, make roster moves - New Orleans VooDoo
- Rush unvelis 2005 advertising campaign - Chicago Rush
- Wranglers Sign Former NFL TE Mondriel Fulcher - Austin Wranglers
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