Cheektowaga native signs with the Destroyers
December 16, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Buffalo Destroyers News Release
(BUFFALO, NY)- The Buffalo Destroyers announced today that Buffalo State alum and Cheektowaga native OL/DL Mark Valvo has signed a two-year deal with the Destroyers.
"I'm thrilled we could get someone with Mark's experience and leadership abilities," said head coach Ron Selesky. "We are glad to give Mark the opportunity to play for his hometown team. Mark is someone players will be able to look to as we get the Destroyers ship pointed in the right direction.
Valvo (6-5, 310, Buffalo State) played 10 seasons for the Albany/Indiana Firebirds franchise. His 10 season's with the Firebirds is a team record for service and is tied for second most years of service to one team in Arena Football League history. Valvo was a member of the Firebirds ArenaBowl XIII championship team in 1999. He originally signed with the Firebirds mid-way through the 1993 season. He has played in 79 games for the Firebirds and recorded 52.5 tackles and five sacks.
Valvo was a 2002 inductee to the Buffalo State Athletics Hall of Fame. Valvo anchored the Bengals offensive line from 1988 until 1992. Valvo was twice named First Team All-ECAC (Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference) and ECAC Academic All-Star. In 1991, Valvo became the first Bengals football player to be named All-America, putting Buffalo State on the map among Division III schools. In 1992, the captain helped lead the Bengals to their first NCAA playoff appearance and a first round victory over Ithaca College.
"I couldn't be happier to get the chance to come home," said Valvo. "I've been in the league a long time and always hoped Buffalo would get a team so I could finish my career there.
Valvo was born and raised in Buffalo and attended Cheektowaga Central High School. He now resides in Albany, New York in the off-season where he works as a correctional officer at the Albany County Jail. He got the nickname "Biggs" from former Firebirds OL/DL Mitch Suplee.
Buffalo kicks off its fifth season in the Arena Football League Saturday, February 1, 2003 as the Destroyers host the Grand Rapids Rampage at the HSBC Arena. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Season tickets are on sale now. Call 881-4444!
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from December 16, 2002
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- Blazek Retires to Pursue College Coaching - Chicago Rush
- Cheektowaga native signs with the Destroyers - Buffalo Destroyers
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