Blazek Retires to Pursue College Coaching
December 16, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
December 16, 2002 â Chicago Rush OL/DL A.J. Blazek has retired from the Arena Football League to pursue a coaching career at his alma mater, the University of Iowa, the Rush announced today.
"A.J. certainly will be missed by the entire Rush organization," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "He was an outstanding football player for us as well as a great ambassador to the community.
"He is leaving to pursue his dream, and we wish him all the luck in the world. The football community is going to gain a great coach.
"It really was a tough decision," said Blazek. "I had to make a choice between two things I love doing â playing for the Rush and coaching for the Hawkeyes. I truly enjoyed my two years with the Rush and will miss my teammates, coaches and the Allstate Arena fans.
Blazek's work ethic and hard-nosed style of play made him a favorite amongst his teammates, and his willingness to spend hours signing autographs after games made him a fan favorite with the Allstate Arena crowd.
Blazek originally caught the attention of the rush coaches when he attended the team's first open tryout camp in February 2001. His performance at the camp earned him an invitation to the team's mini-camp and an eventual spot on Chicago's inaugural season roster. In his two seasons with the Rush he moved from fourth-string center during the 2001 training camp to the team's starter by the 2002 season.
On the field, Blazek recorded 23.5 tackles, two sacks, one interception and four passes defended during his Rush career. Perhaps his biggest highlight came May 18, 2002, against Georgia when he forced a fumble and recovered the ball in the endzone for a Rush touchdown.
After the 2001 season, Blazek returned to Iowa to serve as a student assistant coach for the Hawkeyes. This season, Hawkeye head coach Kirk Ferenz hired Blazek as a graduate assistant coach.
Blazek is the only player to appear in every preseason, regular season and postseason game in Rush team history.
The Rush kicks off its 2003 AFL season Sunday, February 2, at Allstate Arena against the Orlando Predators. Fans wishing to purchase season tickets, starting at $64, should call the Rush at (877) Rush-Tix (787-4849) or visit the team's Web site at www.chicagorush.com.
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- Blazek Retires to Pursue College Coaching - Chicago Rush
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