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AFL I Cleveland Gladiators

Cleveland Makes Statement In Free Agency

October 29, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Cleveland Gladiators News Release


CLEVELAND (October 29, 2007) - The Cleveland Arena Football League franchise began the first day of Arena Football League free agency period by agreeing to terms with three of the League's most sought after players: QB RAYMOND PHILYAW (5-10, 180, NE Louisiana), OL/DL SILAS DEMARY (6-3, 285, Virginia State) and DB BRANDON HEFFLIN (6-1, 185, Toledo).

Cleveland is coming off an active weekend where the team selected six players in the dispersal draft. Those players included: DL JOE MINUCCI (6-3, 298, Delaware), WR OTIS AMEY (5-10, 192, Sacramento State), WR/LB SAKEEN WRIGHT (6-3, 225, Rowan), OL KIMANI JONES (6-4, 310, Arkansas State), OL/DL RAMON RICHARDSON (6-2, 295, Oklahoma) and DL PATRICE MWAMBA (6-4, 295, Texas Tech).

"We are taking an aggressive approach to putting a quality team on the field immediately," said Cleveland president and CEO BERNIE KOSAR. "Raymond, Silas and Brandon are exactly the type of players that we can build a foundation around as we continue to put together a championship-caliber team."

Philyaw, who is a entering his eighth season in the AFL, completed 371-of-538 (69.0%) of his passes for 4,375 yards, 85 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while with the Kansas City Brigade in 2007. In his career, Philyaw has thrown for 381 touchdowns and has led his team to the postseason his last six seasons as a full-time starter.

Demary, who is entering his eighth AFL season and was named Second Team All-Arena in 2007, had 25.0 total tackles, 7.0 sacks, six pass break ups, an interception and a blocked kick with the Los Angeles Avengers in 2007. The standout lineman, who has 32.5 career sacks, was the last player to win both the Defensive Player and Lineman of the Year awards in the same season (2005 with Los Angeles).

Hefflin, who is entering his fourth AFL season, had 105.0 total tackles, 34 pass break ups, five forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and six interceptions while helping the Columbus Destroyers to an ArenaBowl appearance in 2007.

Cleveland will play its home games at the Quicken Loans Arena with season tickets starting at $12 per game. Deposits for 2008 season tickets can be made by calling (216) 298-6979 or by logging onto www.clevelandafl.com.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 29, 2007


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