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AFL Arena Football League

AFL to Induct 2011 Hall of Fame Class

May 2, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL) News Release


TULSA, OKLA. - The Arena Football League announced that it will induct a Hall of Fame Class for the 2011 season and named the Hall of Fame Operating Board of Directors today. The 2011 Hall of Fame Class, which could arguably be the greatest class ever, will be announced during ArenaBowl XXIV weekend at the site of ArenaBowl and inducted during the 2012 season opener. This will be the first AFL Hall of Fame class inducted since 2002.

The Board of Directors includes: League Founder JIM FOSTER (who will serve as the Board's Chairman); long-time team and League executive and current Philadelphia Soul General Manager, TOM GOODHINES; AFL Hall of Famer and current NFL's Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Coordinator JAY GRUDEN; AFL Commissioner and AFL Hall of Famer JERRY KURZ; and long-time team and League executive and current Chicago Rush President/General Manager, GENE NUDO.

"I'm very happy to see that the historical aspects of the game are being revisited. There have been so many coaches, players and administrators that have come and gone since the last induction class was announced in 2002," Foster said. "It's been almost a decade since tribute was paid to the historical roots and foundation of the game. There have been so many individuals that have helped develop and bring the game along. Without them, there would be no arena football. It is a collective effort of individuals that make arena football successful. Those people should be recognized for their efforts and leadership."

Foster, who created the game of arena football on a manila envelope during a Major Indoor Soccer League game on February 11, 1981, served as the first Commissioner of the AFL from 1987-92. The former NFL and USFL executive also served as the principal owner of both the Iowa Barnstormers and the Quad City Steamwheelers (af2). Now, Foster serves as a consultant to the Milwaukee Mustangs.

Goodhines, who is in the first season with the Philadelphia Soul, served in executive positions with the Arena Football League since 2000 including the League's Director of Media Services from 2001-05 and Director of Communications, Player Personnel and Football Operations for the Utah Blaze from 2005-07. Under his guidance, the Blaze won the prestigious Commissioner's Award in 2006 for team excellence on and off the field and his football operations staff was voted "Best Support Staff" in 2006-07. Goodhines was a long-time member of the Arena Football League Hall of Fame Board of Directors and, during his tenure in the league office, led communications and media services efforts during five ArenaBowl championships. Goodhines also covered the League as a member of the media (1995-2000).

Gruden, who is currently serving as the Cincinnati Bengals (NFL) Offensive Coordinator, is arguably one of the greatest quarterbacks in AFL history. The Class of 1999 AFL Hall of Fame inductee won four ArenaBowl titles as a player (Tampa Bay in 1991, 1993, 1995-96) and two as a Head Coach (Orlando in 1998 and 2000). Gruden began his coaching career as the Offensive Coordinator for the AFL's Nashville Kats in 1997. Then, in 1998, he became Head Coach of the Orlando Predators and won ArenaBowl title in his first season at the helm. He un-retired and resumed playing in 2002, this time for the Predators, but retired again and returned to coaching. Gruden has an overall AFL career record of 93-61, including a record of 11-7 in the playoffs. From 2002 to 2008 he also served as an Offensive Assistant for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL under his brother, Jon Gruden.

Kurz, who is in his second season as the AFL's commissioner, has been involved with Arena Football for the past 26 years, including five seasons as president with arenafootball2 (af2). Kurz also served as the AFL's Vice President of International Development and a founding member of Gridiron Enterprises, Inc. He also arranged and executed all internationally played games for the AFL. Kurz has been a player, coach, general manager and owner during his lifelong involvement with the game of football. He is also a member of four football Halls of Fames, including the AFL's first induction class as well as membership in the af2 Hall of Fame. On May 28, 2011, Kurz will be presented with the "Warner Award" at the 51st Annual Pop Warner Scholastic Banquet in Chicago, Ill. The award is presented to an individual who has achieved excellence in athletics, scholarship and life's endeavors with integrity and humanity. Fan's can register for tickets to the banquet on PopWarner.com.

Nudo, who is in his first year with the Chicago Rush, has been involved with Arena Football for over 20 years. Nudo originally served as Assistant Coach and Director of Player Personnel with the Chicago Bruisers in 1987-88 before going on to serve as the League's Vice President of Football Operations. He is best known in AFL circles for his time as Senior Vice President, General Manager (1995-2005) and Head Coach (2006-07) for the Arizona Rattlers. Under his guidance, the team advanced to multiple ArenaBowls and earned the Commissioner's Award as the AFL's best organization five consecutive seasons. Nudo personally earned the AFL's Executive of the Year three times and in 2002 received the AFL's Founder's Award (lifetime achievement) for his dedication to the sport. He is also a member of three different Hall of Fames (Chicago Metropolitan, National Minor League and Driscoll Catholic High School).

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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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