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AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

DECADE OF SUCCESS: Bonner Leads Rattlers in Valley of the Sun

March 18, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


NEW YORK – Nine seasons in Phoenix, Arizona. Nine postseasons. Three ArenaBowl appearances. Two championship rings. One man.

Now in his 10th AFL season, Arizona Rattlers quarterback SHERDRICK BONNER, 34, has carved an impressive pro football career since 1992 – a resume worthy of Hall of Fame consideration.

His name is already engraved in AFL annals. Bonner's career totals rank among the top five in all passing categories. Two weeks ago, he became just the third quarterback to eclipse the 24,000-yard mark (24,351) and moved into third place for career touchdowns (474).

But Bonner entered this season looking to complete some unfinished business ... with Western Division rival San Jose. After an ArenaBowl XVI defeat at the hands of the SaberCats last August, the Rattlers again lost to San Jose in Week 1 of the 2003 season.

When the SaberCats host Bonner and his Arizona squad this Sunday on NBC (3 p.m. ET), it will mark the 18th time the pair has faced off – series leader is Arizona, 10-8.

"We expect it to be a battle (this Sunday)," Bonner said. "This is a new year and we're expecting a tough game. We're going in there with an opportunity to win the game."

Bonner – a former Cal State-Northridge football, basketball and volleyball player – has passed for 1,253 yards and 28 touchdowns in his five starts this season. Returning from a separated shoulder suffered against San Jose in Week 1, Bonner has guided the Rattlers to three wins in their last four games.

Win or lose, Bonner can be seen on the sidelines after every game, chatting with fans, brandishing his trademark smile and signing autographs.

"He is such a great example in terms of his work ethic and the way he conducts himself as a team representative," said Arizona head coach DANNY WHITE, Bonner's AFL coach since day one.

Involved in many charitable appearances throughout the Valley, Bonner helped start the Arizona Rattlers' R.E.S.P.E.C.T. program in schools and spends his offseason as a color analyst for Cox 9 TV's High School Football Game of the Week.

Bonner has been a mainstay with the Rattlers since joining the team prior to their inaugural season in 1992. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound lefty has had numerous opportunities with other Leagues, but his career path invariably leads him back to the AFL and sunny Phoenix.

"The overall camaraderie here (in the AFL) is tremendous," said Bonner. "Guys care about each other and players on other teams spend time together. It's a brotherhood of guys who love to play football.

Bonner has suited up for the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, and San Diego Chargers, which all were rewarding in different ways. His brief tenure in Atlanta led to his being on the sidelines for Super Bowl XXXIII. As the Falcons third quarterback, he played a small role, which didn't satisfy his competitive nature.

"The (Super Bowl) moment was unbelievable because of all the hype, but it doesn't compare to our first ArenaBowl championship (in 1994)," said Bonner. "Nothing can compare to us going to Orlando as 12-point underdogs and winning the ArenaBowl. I practiced everyday with them (Atlanta), but when you're not a part of it, it's not the same.

As an all-time AFL quarterbacks great, Bonner compliments San Jose's MARK GRIEB, New York's AARON GARCIA and Grand Rapids' CLINT DOLEZEL as among the best in the AFL today.

"(They) are great players because of their quick decision-making abilities," he said. "Aaron (Garcia) gets it done, and makes good reads. They understand the game and their numbers prove it.

Bonner, who has been named Offensive Player of the Week twice this season, also continues to earn praise from around the League and his competitors.

"He was the guy that probably influenced me the most into coming to the Arena Football League," said Los Angeles Avengers quarterback TONY GRAZIANI. "I played with him in Atlanta back in 1998. He was the guy that I looked to for advice. Since we are both left-handed, I'm able to study him.

"To me, he's always been one of the best, if not the best, in the League," said Garcia, who started ahead of Bonner in Arizona in 1995.

Bonner remains grateful for the opportunities the AFL has afforded him, including the chance to continue a role in football from the sidelines when his days in his black, teal, and copper Rattlers uniform come to a close.

"This is where I wanted to finish my career," Bonner said. "I'll probably play out (my contract) and move into coaching. When the time comes, I'll see how the body feels, but this contract will likely be my last one.

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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.


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