Blaze Acquire NFL Veteran Fonoti
Published on December 7, 2010 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze have added OL/DL Toniu Fonoti (6-3, 355, Nebraska), an eight-year NFL veteran to the 2011 camp roster. Fonoti was the 39th overall pick by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with Chargers before joining the Minnesota Vikings. Throughout Fonoti's career, he was a part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2005), Miami Dolphins (2006), Atlanta Falcons (2007), Carolina Panthers (2008) and Detroit Lions (2009). He compiled 33 career starts and made appearances in 40 NFL matchups.
"We are extremely excited to have a seasoned NFL veteran like Fonoti on our roster," said Head Coach Ron James. "Our 2011 training camp is going to be extremely competitive and I'm looking forward to seeing these guys in action."
At Nebraska, Fonoti was a two-time First-Team All-Big 12 recipient, First-Team All-American, Lombardi Award semifinalist and Outland Trophy finalist. Before leaving a year early to join the NFL, he was touted as one of the most dominant lineman in the school's history. In 2001, he led an offensive line that powered Nebraska to an 11-2 record and its second straight NCAA rushing title with 314.7 yards per game. He did not allow a sack or receive a penalty in 2001. Fonoti also broke the school's records for knock-down blocks: 32 versus Texas Tech, 201 in 2001 and 379 career.
Fonoti currently resides in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Arena Football League Stories from December 7, 2010
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- Shock Add LSU Product, DL Charles Alexander - Spokane Shock
- Blaze Acquire NFL Veteran Fonoti - Utah Blaze
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