Barry Wagner Returns To Preds
June 19, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. (June 19) - Barry Wagner - who was voted the second greatest player in Arena Football League history - is returning to Orlando. On Tuesday, Predators head coach Jay Gruden announced that Wagner has agreed to terms for the remainder of the 2007 season.
"I had spoken to Jay earlier about the possibility of having Orlando sign me for one day to allow me to retire as a Predator," Wagner said. "When the opportunity presented itself to actually get on the field again, it was like a dream come true. I understand what my role is going to be and I am grateful to Coach Gruden and the Predators organization for giving me this opportunity."
Gruden decided to sign Wagner after learning that injured linebacker Lance Mitchell would be unable to play in Thursday night's season finale with Philadelphia. The signing of Wagner will allow Gruden to move Marlon Moye-Moore move from "jack" to "mack" linebacker and give the Predators an experienced player in Wagner to play the "jack" position.
The move will also allow the future AFL Hall of Famer to play his final games in an Orlando Predators uniform. "It's important to understand that we are not doing this as a favor or publicity stunt," Gruden said. "The fact of the matter is that we need an experienced "jack" linebacker and someone to help on special teams and Barry can help us."
Wagner played with the Predators from 1992-99, leading Orlando to four ArenaBowl appearances and a championship in 1998. During his time with the Predators, he won an unprecedented six straight "Ironman of the Year" awards as the AFL's best player. He left via free agency and signed with the San Jose SaberCats, where he played from 2000-06. With the SaberCats, Wagner picked up championship rings in both 2002 and 2004. He went to camp with Tampa Bay this spring.
For his career, Wagner has 991 receptions for 13,363 yards and 265 touchdowns. He has added 858 yards rushing with 127 touchdowns and has more than 6,000 return yards with nine more scores. Defensively, Wagner has played both defensive back and linebacker in his career, compiling 736 tackles to go with 48 interceptions and 32 forced fumbles. He has scored eight defensive touchdowns in his career.
He is the AFL career record holder for points scored (2,490), most seasons with 100+ points (12), most 2-point conversions scored (15), receptions (991), receiving yards (13,363), career rushing touchdowns (127), and most all-purpose career yards (21,042). He was named to the first unit of the All-Arena team eight times and Offensive Player of the Year twice to go with his six "Ironman" trophies.
In his eight seasons with the Predators, Wagner established numerous records - including more than 50 single game, single season, career and playoff records that still stand today.
"Barry had expressed his desire to finish his career in Orlando and now that opportunity has presented itself," Gruden said. "In my opinion he is the greatest two-way player in league history."
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