Firebirds Get Back Top Rusher, Toughman
October 24, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Firebirds announced today that they have reached an agreement with FB/LB Leroy Thompson for the 2004 AFL season. Thompson becomes the first free-agent to sign with the Firebirds this off-season.
Thompson has spent his entire eight year career with the Firebirds, including playing in all 16 games in 2003. He led the entire AFL with 53 rushing attempts for a team-high 167 yards and 12 touchdowns. Defensively he amassed 14.5 tackles and 1.5 sacks on the season. He also hauled in a receiving touchdown on three catches.
Thompson was named the AFL Built Ford Tough Man of the Year in 2002, following the best season of his career. During that season he recorded 118 yards on 37 carries, including ten touchdowns, while totaling 21 tackles and a career-high six sacks on defense. Thompson recorded a career-high 14 rushing touchdowns in 2000 and defensively has recorded 96.5 total tackles during his tenure with the Firebirds.
"L.T.", currently ranks among the team's career leaders in several categories. He ranks 5th in scoring (326 points), 4th in total touchdowns (52), 1st in rushing attempts (244), 2nd in rushing yards (775), 2nd in rushing touchdowns (51) and 6th in sacks (13.0). Thompson also holds single game records for most rushing touchdowns (5) and rushing attempts (11). The touchdowns in a single game also being an AFL record.
"Everyone associated with the Indiana Firebirds are very excited that Leroy will continue to wear the Firebirds Black and Orange", stated General Manager John Kolner. "We have many free agents this season and it is always nice when a player feels like he has ownership in the success of the team and shows his strong commitment to the organization. Leroy is a great player and leader for the Firebirds and will go down as not only one of the best fullback/linebackers in our team history but also as one of the best to ever play the game of Arena Football."
Thompson was a two-time All-MEAC pick while attending Delaware State and a Second Team AP & Kodak Division I-AA All-American as a senior, finishing his career with 167 total tackles and 30 career sacks, one shy of the school record. He played on season with the Toronto Argonauts (CFL) and was invited to attend training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1996.
Firebirds' season tickets for the 2004 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.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 24, 2003
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- Firebirds Get Back Top Rusher, Toughman - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
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