Dawgz Sign Former NFL Lineman
Published on November 5, 2009 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz News Release
OKLAHOMA CITY - The Yard Dawgz continue to build for a championship run with the addition of four arena football veterans. Head Coach Sparky McEwen announced they were assigned former NFL lineman Kelly Butler along with Yard Dawgz standouts Aaron Chavers, Danny Howard and Freddie Rollins.
Kelly Butler (6'8, 315) will begin his third season of arena football after starting over 20 games in the National Football League for the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns. Butler has become a model of consistency for the Yard Dawgz and will help anchor an offensive line that couldn't seem to stay healthy in 2009. The Purdue graduate was drafted in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft.
"This is an opportunity that does not present itself to arena football teams often. We feel very fortunate as an organization to sign not only an all league but NFL experienced lineman to our roster. Returning Kelly Butler as a leader gives us the confidence that we will have strong leadership in place to lead us to a championship," Head Coach Sparky McEwen said. "Kelly is not only a great performer on the field but he is also a great leader within the Oklahoma City community. He has been very generous with the time that he spends with the youth of Oklahoma City and looks forward to continuing the Butler's Pound Puppy Program which enables underprivileged youth the opportunity to enjoy a Yard Dawgz arena football game."
The all-time team leader in sacks, Aaron Chavers (6-3, 273) returns to continue his onslaught on quarterbacks. Last season, Chavers kept pressure on opposing offenses, finishing with 7.5 sacks and a career total of 23 (17.5 with the Dawgz). In 2008, Chavers recorded 27 total tackles (19 solo) including 7 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and a fumble for state-rival Tulsa Talons. In 2006 and 2007, he played a total of 19 games with the Yard Dawgz racking up 31 total tackles and 10 sacks. He played for the Mean Green at the University of North Texas before advancing to the professional level.
"The all time sack leader in the team's history, enough said. Chavers is now poised to lead this franchise to a championship and nothing less," McEwen said.
Freddie Rollins (6'1, 275) ran over everyone, last season, on his way to franchise records in rushing attempts (86) and rushing touchdowns (15). Rollins finished the season with 615 all-purpose yards and 22 touchdowns. During his rookie season in 2008, he exploded onto the scene where he played in 9 games for the Yard Dawgz and became the team all-time leader for rushing yards (227) and TDs (14). Rollins ended the 2008 season as the af2's 3rd leading rusher, averaging 25.2 rushing yards per game. He was a three time All-Conference running back at Mary-Hardin Baylor.
"Returning an all league performer to the second ranked overall offense in the league gives Tommy Grady a lot of confidence in directing this offense to its high scoring form," McEwen continued. "This year, Freddie Rollins will double as a defensive end and Mack linebacker because of his tremendous athletic ability.
Danny Howard (6'2, 195) will once again be donning a Yard Dawgz jersey. The Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduate is the second wide receiver assigned to the Dawgz, joining OSU product, Scott Broughton. Despite an injury plagued career, Howard has put up impressive numbers in his limited action. In four years, Howard has played in 26 games and has 125 receptions for 1,825 yards and 35 touchdowns. Last year, Howard lead the league in yards per catch with a 15.8 yard average.
"The addition of Danny Howard will bring depth to a group of highly talented skilled position players," McEwen explained.
The Yard Dawgz will play all their 2010 home games at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City. The regular season begins in April and runs through July with playoffs in August.
Yard Dawgz season tickets are available now for the 2010 season, starting as low as $63! For additional information, please call (405) 228-3294 or visit www.okcyarddawgz.com.
Arena Football League Stories from November 5, 2009
- Barnstormers Sign Five More Players - Iowa Barnstormers
- Dawgz Sign Former NFL Lineman - Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz
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.
