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Bishop officially becomes member of the Rampage

March 3, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


The Grand Rapids Rampage announced today that former Heisman Trophy runner-up Michael Bishop has signed a two-year contract with the team. Also signed to multi-year deals today were wide receiver/linebacker Nakia Jenkins and wide receiver/linebacker Shawn Foreman. Bishop is expected to immediately compete for the starting quarterback position with Anthony Buich.

"He's an exciting athlete with great credentials," said Rampage head coach Bob Cortese. "Michael has a burning desire to be a good Arena Football player and we are very happy to have him."

In addition to finishing second to Texas' Ricky Williams for the 1998 Heisman, Bishop won the prestigious Davey O'Brien National Quarterback of the Year award, and was the runner-up for the Maxwell, Associated Press Player of the Year, and Unitas Awards. He was also a first-team All-American pick by Football News and The Sporting News. In addition, Bishop was a first-team All-Big 12 pick, leading the Big 12 in total offense and in passing efficiency.

Bishop started in all 25 games (including bowl games) during his two seasons at Kansas State where he posted a 22-3 (.880) record and led the Wildcats to their first win over Nebraska in 30 years. He shattered school season records with 2,844 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. Bishop also led the team with 14 rushing touchdowns and finished second with 748 yards on 177 attempts (4.2 avg.) on his way to totaling 3,592 total yards of offense during his senior season.

Following his outstanding college career, Bishop was drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He played in eight games with the Patriots in 2000 and completed 3-of-9 passes for 80 yards and one touchdown. Bishop was allocated to NFL Europe by the Patriots and played for the Frankfurt Galaxy in 2001. He started six games for the Galaxy before suffering a hamstring injury. Bishop spent 2002 and 2003 with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL.

Jenkins played high school and college football with his cousin, Rampage offensive specialist Steve Smith. He attended training camp with both the New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars before playing with the NFL Europe's Rhein Fire, the XFL's Las Vegas Outlaws, and the AFL's Toronto Phantoms.

"Nakia is a big-bodied guy with good hands that we like to see using the high motion," Cortese commented. "He brings us that bigger body at the wide receiver/linebacker position that we need and he has some speed as well."

Foreman started his AFL career with Rampage Head Coach Bob Cortese with the Oklahoma Wranglers in 2001. During the season, Foreman caught 34 balls for 414 yards and nine TDs. He also finished third on the team in tackles. Foreman spent the last two seasons with the Indiana Firebirds.

"I had Shawn in Oklahoma - he has a great work ethic and makes the players he's around better," added Cortese.

To make room for Bishop, Jenkins and Foreman, the Rampage released Brent Petrus, Terry Grooms and Alvin Ashley. Antonio Watson was placed on the practice squad.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from March 3, 2004


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