Birds of a Feather
May 29, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Carolina Cobras News Release
By: Nathan Boudreaux
When Cobras offensive specialist Aaron Bailey picked up a phone about this time last year to call Orlando Predators head coach Jay Gruden, the only thing they had in common was a love for the game of football and a former head coach. Although Bailey and Gruden never played with each other at the University of Louisville, they did share the same head coach in Howard Schnellenberger.
Bailey, who played at the University of Louisville for two seasons (1992-93) after transferring from College of DuPage, had just wrapped up the 2001 season as a wide receiver with the XFL's Chicago Enforcers and wanted desperately to get back to the NFL, where he spent five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.
"After I hung up the phone with the sixth NFL team that told me that my minimum [salary] was too high, I decided to call Jay," Bailey said. "I knew he was a Louisville alum so he was the first person in the AFL I called."
At the time Gruden, who was a star quarterback at the University of Louisville from 1985-88, was head coach of the Predators and coming off an ArenaBowl victory in 2000. After losing three straight to open the 2001 season, Orlando finally put together a series of wins and was on a roll. Gruden didn't want to spoil the chemistry between quarterback Craig Whelihan and offensive specialist Siaha Burley by bringing in another new face, so he couldn't use Bailey. But, he told the former Cardinal he'd do his best to get him a shot.
"I had never spoken to Jay before but we had about a 15 minute conversation and I felt like I had know him forever," Bailey said. "I asked him if he was looking for a receiver and he said he was pretty set but for me to hang on and he'd call me back in five minutes.
"He called about two minutes later and said that Mike Neu from the Carolina Cobras would be calling. As soon as I hung up with Jay, the phone rang and it was Mike [Neu]. Two days later I was here in Raleigh, it happened that quick."
Gruden put Bailey in touch with then Cobras offensive coordinator Mike Neu, who was excited about the opportunity to get a speedy NFL wide receiver.
"I talked to Jay and he knew we were looking for some help with a wide receiver that could stretch the field," Neu said. "We trusted Jay's opinion and I knew Aaron since I'm from Indianapolis and we brought him down for a workout."
The Cobras worked Bailey out in the morning and threw the offensive playbook at him that afternoon in preparation for his first taste of the AFL. He signed a free agent contract with Carolina on May 30, 2001 and was the Cobras starting offensive specialist the next day.
Bailey played in seven games for the Cobras as a rookie in 2001 and led the club with 61 receptions for 915 yards and 19 touchdowns. He was on pace to be in the AFL's top three in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
He entered the 2002 season with hopes of picking up right where he left off, but has been slowed by a tailbone injury and a trio of different starting quarterbacks. But, the last two weeks he's been back to his old form, catching for 100+ yards in back-to-back games. He is currently the Cobras leading receiver (27 catches for 430 yards and four touchdowns) and had his best game of the season last week at Tampa Bay with quarterback John Fitzgerald at the helm, grabbing 12 passes for 176 yards and a touchdown.
Bailey has been a nice fit for Carolina during his brief two seasons in Raleigh and hopes he can continue to help the Cobras (4-2) achieve their goal of winning an ArenaBowl championship. This week when Bailey lines up against Gruden, who resigned as Predators head coach this off-season to take over the reins at quarterback, he'll have a few stories to share with a fellow Louisville alum.
"Things happen for a reason," Bailey said. "I guess I should tell him 'Thank You'."
If Bailey continues to torch opposing defenses, Cobras fans may want to send their best to Mr. Gruden as well (after this week that is).
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