Destroyers introduce Buckeye Legends

October 1, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


COLUMBUS, OH – NFL great and Ohio State University legend Chris Spielman joins the Columbus Destroyers of the Arena Football League as the team's director of football operations, it was announced today at a news conference at Nationwide Arena. Also, it was announced that former OSU stars and familiar Buckeye broadcasters Jim Karsatos and Jim Lachey will be involved with the team as promotional partners.

In his role as director of football operations, Chris Spielman will utilize his vast resources in college and professional football to assist in securing the best possible talent to make up the Destroyers roster. His distinguished collegiate career at OSU led to an impressive 11-year NFL tenure which included time with the Detroit Lions, the Buffalo Bills and the Cleveland Browns. After retiring as a player, Spielman began his broadcasting career with SportsRadio 1460 The Fan in Columbus where he currently hosts "Spielman in the Morning" and "Spielman on Sports." Additionally, Spielman covers college football on ESPN Television. Always a presence in the community, Chris and his wife Stefanie actively campaign to raise funds for the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research.

"Over the past few years I have missed being directly involved in the game. The Destroyers provide the type of opportunity I have been looking for. Arena Football has grown into a very competitive brand of football with some outstanding players. I'm here to help the Destroyers be the best they can be and I strongly encourage everyone to join me in supporting this team," said Spielman.

Joining Spielman in the Destroyers organization are former OSU teammates Jim Karsatos and Jim Lachey. Former OSU quarterback Jim Karsatos, who was with the Miami Dolphins for two years, currently owns a financial consulting firm and serves as the president for the Central Ohio Chapter of the NFL Alumni, Inc. Karsatos is also a sideline commentator for OSU football carried on SportsRadio 1460 The Fan and WBNS-FM. Jim Lachey enjoyed a 10-year career in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers, Los Angeles Raiders and the Washington Redskins and has remained in sports as a broadcaster. Lachey serves as color analyst for OSU football radio broadcasts and is a sports anchor on the Ohio News Network.

"Chris Spielman's approach to the game is one that any team would want its players to emulate. Furthermore, by adding Jim Karsatos and Jim Lachey to this team, we are extremely fortunate to assemble this group of local legends whose respectability and popularity will help us generate great interest and support of Arena Football in central Ohio," offered Destroyers President Dave Whinham.

Season tickets are available now starting as low as $72 for eight home games. Individual games will go on sale at a later time following the announcement of the AFL schedule. For complete information on reserving season tickets for the Columbus Destroyers inaugural season at Nationwide Arena, visit www.ColumbusDestroyers.com or call (614) 246-HITS or 1-(877)-COLS-AFL.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 1, 2003


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