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AFL I Arizona Rattlers

Bonner and Gatewood Among "20 Greatest Players in AFL history"

January 18, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


PHOENIX - Quarterback Sherdrick Bonner and wide receiver/defensive back Randy Gatewood have been named as two of the Arena Football League's official "20 Greatest Players in AFL history," the league announced today.

In addition to Bonner and Gatewood, three former Rattler players, wide receiver/linebacker Hunkie Cooper, quarterback Aaron Garcia and fullback/linebacker Bob McMillen made the prestigious list.

"All of these guys set a precedent for our franchise that we have built around," said Rattler General Manager/Head Coach Gene Nudo. "I am happy that they were recognized because it is a well-deserved title for each and every one of them."

Bonner, who ranks second among quarterbacks, sits at number eight on the overall list while Gatewood is tied for 17th greatest.

A two-time ArenaBowl champion, Bonner has spent over 13 seasons in the league. He is the Rattler's all-time leading quarterback, accumulating 32,952 passing yards (No. 3 on the AFL career chart), 663 touchdowns (No. 3), 4,262 pass attempts (No. 3), 2,650 completions (No. 4), and a 116.1 quarterback rating (No. 6). He has also rushed for 34 scores (No. 22). Bonner has won more games than any other quarterback in AFL history with 94 regular season victories and 17 playoff wins. He has earned All-Arena honors five times in his career.

"This is an honor and a tribute to this organization," said Bonner. "To be put on this list is a great accomplishment not only for me, but the players that have been around me the past seasons."

Gatewood, one of the league's best all-time two-way players, returns to the Rattlers for his eleventh season. The 2003 "Ironman of the Year" has totaled 565 receptions, 7,418 yards, and 169 touchdowns over his tenure. He is the Rattler's all-time leader in tackles (360) and interceptions (33) and has also made All-Arena teams five times.

"This is a remarkable achievement that I could not have done with the people around me," said Gatewood, who was surprised after hearing he was on the list. "I am pretty speechless right now. It will take some time for this to sink in."

Cooper, who played with the Rattlers for 13 seasons, ranks fifth. The two-time "Ironman of the Year" (1999 and 2000) finished his career last season as the league's all-time all-purpose yards leader (20,587).

Garcia, who started his career with the Rattlers in 1995, has become one of the game's most prolific passers, throwing 725 career touchdowns. The current New York Dragons quarterback ranks 11th on the list.

McMillen, who played for Arizona his first six seasons and has spent the last three with Chicago, took the 20th spot. This season, he looks to become the league's all-time leading rusher.

Voting for the "20 Greatest Players in AFL history" was done by an esteemed historical committee that included Rattler general manager/head coach Gene Nudo.

The Rattlers will kick off their 15th season in the 20-year-old Arena Football League on Sunday, January 29 on the road against the Los Angeles Avengers. The game is set to kick off at 1:00 p.m. and will be televised on NBC. Nine-game ticket packages can be purchased by calling 602-514-TDTD.

20 Greatest Players in AFL History (first place votes)

1. Eddie Brown - 136 points

2. Barry Wagner *- 135 (3)

3. George LaFrance - 126 (1)

4. Jay Gruden - 122 (2)

5. Hunkie Cooper - 113 (1)

6. James Baron* - 83

7. Sylvester Bembery - 64

8. Sherdrick Bonner* - 61

9. Stevie Thomas - 59

10. Dwayne Dixon - 56

11. Aaron Garcia* - 50

12. Kurt Warner - 49

13. Sam Hernandez - 41

14t. Corey Fleming* - 39

14t. Greg Hopkins* - 39

16. Alvin Rettig - 35

17t. Randy Gatewood - 33

17t. Gary Mullen - 33

19. John Corker - 29

20. Bob McMillen* - 24

Players earned 20 points for one first place vote, 19 points for one second place vote

* active players



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 18, 2006


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