Crush adds AFL veteran Norwood, af2's Walker
Published on October 28, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Colorado Crush News Release
DENVER - The Colorado Crush continue to fill their roster, signing two players - veteran offensive/defensive lineman Matt Norwood and former af2 defensive specialist Jabir Walker, the team announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not released.
Norwood (6-2, 300 lbs.), a four-year AFL veteran, spent the last two seasons with the Detroit Fury after playing one season each in Carolina (2001) and Dallas (2001). His indoor career began in 2000 with the Tennessee Valley Vipers of arenafootball2, the Arena Football League's developmental league.
The Derby, Kansas, native played two seasons at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kan. where he was named second team JUCO All-American, before moving onto Middle Tennessee State for two years. An offensive lineman in college, Norwood did not allow a sack during his senior year at MTSU.
No stranger to Colorado, Norwood has spent each offseason since graduation working as a river rapids guide on the Front Range.
"We're excited about having Matt," said Mike Dailey, Colorado Crush head coach. "He is an experienced guy in the AFL and will add another quality lineman to a group of veteran players we already have."
Walker (5-11, 185 lbs.), an AFL rookie, joined the af2's Louisville Fire late in the 2004 season after a two year stint in the Canadian Football League with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. In five games last season with the Fire, Walker recorded 26 tackles, five pass deflections, two forced fumbles and one interception.
Walker also played for the Fire in their first season in 2001 before catching the attention of the CFL. In 16 games in 2001, Walker led the Fire with 79 tackles, 42 pass deflections and seven interceptions. Walker played collegiately at Murray State University, where his defensive backs coach was current Crush defensive coordinator Ernesto Purnsley.
"Jabir is a newcomer to Arena Football. He has shown to be an excellent cover guy and will be competing at the defensive specialist position," said Mike Dailey, Colorado Crush head coach.Â
Following today's additions, the Crush roster now stands at 35 players currently under contract for the 2005 season, with a maximum of 37 players that can be invited to training camp. Camp will commence the first week of January. Â
The Colorado Crush kick off their third season on January 30 and deposits for season tickets are currently being accepted. The Crush sales staff is available for renewals and new ticket deposits from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday at (720)-258-3400.
About the Colorado Crush Owned by Pat Bowlen (Denver Broncos), E. Stanley Kroenke (Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche) and NFL Hall of Famer John Elway, the Colorado Crush are entering their third season in the Arena Football League, America's fastest growing sport. Often recognized as one of the nation's most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the AFL, the second-longest running football league in U.S. history, will enter its 19th season in 2005.Â
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 28, 2004
- Crush adds AFL veteran Norwood, af2's Walker - Colorado Crush
- Destroyers to hold kickers only open workout November 11 - Columbus Destroyers
- Jake Whittaker of Sierra Vista High School wins Gladiators' Ironman Award - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Desperados add five to roster, re-sign kicker - Dallas Desperados
- Chicago Rush 2005 schedule announced - Chicago Rush
- Rampage 2005 schedule announced - Grand Rapids Rampage
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
