Sports stats



Destroyers quarterback set to cap off record-setting rookie season

May 27, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


COLUMBUS, OH – In late February and early March the Columbus Destroyers were in the midst of a quarterback controversy. Three months later, rookie quarterback Ryan Vena not only won the job, but in the process has re-written the Destroyers record books and led his team to one of the best records in the franchise's six-year history. In thirteen games this season, Vena has broken or is approaching multiple franchise career and single-season records with one regular season contest yet to be played.

However, earning the starting job and respect of his coaches and teammates did not come easy. Joining the Destroyers as a 6-foot, 220 pound rookie, Vena was the projected backup quarterback coming into this year's training camp behind two-year veteran John Rayborn. During the course of the three-week camp, Vena proved his abilities on the football field and initially won the respect of his coaches and eventually was named the team's starting quarterback in Columbus' inaugural season opener at Indiana on February 7.

Vena led Columbus to a season-opening victory over the Firebirds, throwing for 202 yards and four touchdowns in the process. Vena followed up his performance in Indiana by completing 22-of-31 passes for 256 yards and five touchdowns in week two during Columbus' home opener versus the Carolina Cobras. The Destroyers fell, however, losing on the games' final play to drop a 54-53 decision to Carolina. In week three at Philadelphia, Vena was pulled from the game in favor of Rayborn and then found himself on the bench the following week in the Dallas game. Less than a month out from the jubilation of leading his team to their first-ever victory, Vena found himself frustrated and suiting up as the Destroyers' backup.

"I was frustrated at the time," said Vena. "Everybody who plays football at this level wants to play. But what really frustrated me was that after we won in Indiana, we lost on the last play of the game to Carolina and I think they (coaching staff) may have lost some confidence in me at that point even though I thought I was still playing well. It just bothered me to not be on the field and then seeing us lose."

During the ensuing four weeks, Vena and Rayborn alternated starts at quarterback and the team found themselves losers of six consecutive games entering the bye week.

Coming out of the bye week, a decision was made; Rayborn was waived and Vena was given the reigns of the team. Following a 1-6 start, the Destroyers have been a different team with Vena the man under center week in and week out, winners of five out of their last eight games. With a win on Sunday at Las Vegas in the team's season finale, Columbus would improve to 6-3 after the break and establish a franchise record for wins in a season with seven.

Despite two DNP-CDs, Vena has quickly ascended towards to top of the Destroyers all-time passing and rushing lists for a career and single season respectively. In 13 games played, Vena has completed 217-of-340 passes for 2,858 yards and 54 touchdowns. He is currently second all-time in Destroyers history in completions, passing yards and touchdowns thrown behind only Jim Kubiak. His 63.8 completion percentage is tops in team history and is tied for the highest completion percentage for a rookie in league history (Jay Gruden/1991). Vena's quarterback rating of 120.1 currently places him third in the AFL as well as third in league history for a rookie.

In addition to his prowess in the passing game, Vena has proven to be a real threat to run the ball in 2004. His 60 rushing attempts (4th in AFL) and 218 yards gained on the ground (4th in AFL) are both single-season franchise records and his 11 rushing touchdowns (T-4th in AFL) are only two shy of the single-season team record. Vena's needs only six more yards to become the Destroyers all-time leading rusher (David White/223), which he could reach Sunday in Las Vegas.

"It's a good thing to come out as a rookie and set any kind of record," he said. "But it doesn't mean anything unless you win. That's first and foremost. Really, I have to give credit to my line as well as receivers because without them I wouldn't be anything. I would trade all that in a minute for a championship."

During the Destroyers current two-game winning streak, Vena has thrown for 470 yards and 15 touchdowns, while also rushing for 53 yards and two touchdowns. In addition, his eight touchdown passes in last week's win over Dallas set a franchise record for a single game.

Despite his accomplishments this season, Vena still aims to prove his worth.

"I think you have to prove yourself every time you go out on the field," explained Vena. "Especially someone who is six-feet whatever tall and went to this or that small school (Vena attended Colgate). Throughout my life people have said, ‘This guy can't do it so we are going to pass on him.' Wherever I have gone I have shown them that I can do it and that is what I tried to do this season. It maybe took until that seventh or eighth week for the coaches to say, ‘Alright, we can trust this guy and let him run the show.', but I think at this point I have earned their respect."

Vena re-signed with the Destroyers this week, keeping him in Columbus through next season. Among others, he was one of the top free agents the Destroyers wanted to bring back as preparations continue for next year. With the return of the team's core group of players and additional free agent signings, Vena and the Destroyers seem prime to make some noise during the 2005 season.

"I just try to come out and ball and have fun," Vena said. "I love the sport and I love the guys on this team. We have a great bunch of guys and I think we are going to come together and next year is going to be a whole different story for us."



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 27, 2004


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.

Other Recent Columbus Destroyers Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central