Chicago Rush President/GM Gene Nudo Named to 2011 AFL Hall of Fame Class
August 12, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Chicago Rush News Release
CHICAGO - The Chicago Rush is excited to announce that President and General Manager Gene Nudo has been named to the AFL's Hall of Fame class of 2011.
Earlier this season, his achievements were noted and examined by the AFL Hall of Fame Advisory Board who found it fitting to add him to the ten finalists. The AFL League Office, fans, and current Hall of Fame members then voted upon the finalists. After tallying the votes, it was clear that Nudo had been selected to join arguably one of the greatest Hall of Fame classes the AFL has ever seen.
"I am honored and humbled to be included in this group of great athletes and coach," said Nudo. "I have spent a majority of my professional life proud to be a part of the AFL, and I hope all of those who have worked alongside me will share in this honor with me."
Nudo began his storied career in the AFL serving as an assistant coach and director of player personnel with the original Chicago Bruisers from 1987-'88 (hosting ArenaBowl II) before going on to act as the league's vice president of football operations. On an organizational level, Nudo is best known for his time spent with the Arizona Rattlers (1995-2007). There, he acted as head coach, general manager, and vice president. Through his leadership, the Rattlers advanced to four ArenaBowl Championship games, winning in 1997, and earned the Commissioner's Award as the AFL's best organization for five consecutive seasons. During that time, Nudo personally earned the AFL's Executive of the Year three times and also received the AFL's Founders' Award for his lifelong dedication to arena football.
Because of his hard work and dedication, Nudo has been successful even before his career in the AFL. Prior to his time in the league, Nudo acted as the head coach with a minor league football team, the River Grove, Ill. Cowboys, winning the 1984 National Semi Professional Championship and served three seasons as head coach at Driscoll Catholic High School in Addison, Ill. winning the 1991 Illinois High School Class 3A State Championship.
This is not Nudo's first hall of fame induction. He is a member of the Chicago Metropolitan Football Hall of Fame, National Minor League Hall of Fame, Driscoll Catholic High School Hall of Fame, and will be inducted this fall to his high school's Hall of Fame, Ridgewood High School in Norridge, Illinois.
In his personal time, Nudo enjoys being involved with several youth football programs as well as spending time with his wife, Mary, and his three children.
The 2011 Hall of Fame Class will be inducted during the 2012 season opener. This will be the first AFL Hall of Fame class inducted since 2002. The 2011 Hall of Fame Class members include: Darren Arbet, Sylvester Bembery, Eddie Brown, Hunkie Cooper, Sam Hernandez, George LaFrance, Stevie Thomas, Barry Wagner and Kurt Warner.
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