Firebirds Acquire Former NFL Starting QB
Published on December 30, 2002 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Firebirds of the Arena Football League have acquired former NFL quarterback Craig Whelihan. Whelihan was obtained via a trade with the Orlando Predators in exchange for future considerations.
In Whelihan (6-5, 225), the Firebirds get a strong physical presence at the quarterback position. He also brings a great deal of professional experience, having played in the NFL, XFL, and the Arena Football League.
Whelihan was a sixth round selection by the San Diego Chargers in the 1995 NFL Draft. He appeared in 19 games with the Chargers, seeing the bulk of his action during the 1997 and 1998 seasons where he started a total of 14 games. In 1997, he completed 118 of 238 passes for 1,357 yards and six touchdowns. During the 1998 season he connected on 149 of 320 pass attempts totaling 1,803 yards and eight touchdowns.
In 2001, Whelihan started 13 games for the Predators where he posted impressive numbers. That season he completed 224 of 377 passes for 3,004 yards (third in franchise history) and 60 touchdowns (second in franchise history) earning 1st team All-Rookie honors.
Whelihan also attended training camp with the NFL's Oakland Raiders ('00).
Whelihan will be one of four quarterbacks on the Firebirds roster when training camp opens on Monday, January 6th. He joins Raymond Philyaw, Jim Ballard and rookie David Priestley.
The 2003 season marks the historic debut of the AFL on NBC. The network will broadcast 71 games next season, including all playoff games and ArenaBowl XVII on June 22. The Firebirds kick off the 2003 regular season on Sunday, February 2nd on the road against the Detroit Fury which will be aired on UPN Indiana. The Birds home opener is slated for Sunday, February, 16th versus the Chicago Rush live on NBC Sports. Firebirds' season tickets for the 2003 season are on sale now and can be purchased by calling a Firebirds' ticket representative at 317.472.8080. Firebirds merchandise is also available at Home Court Gift Shop. For merchandise information, please call 317.917.2755.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from December 30, 2002
- Firebirds Acquire Former NFL Starting QB - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
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