Firebirds Sign af2 Player of the Year
October 30, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Firebirds announced today that they have come to terms with free-agent quarterback, and 2003 arenafootball2 Offensive Player of the Year, Tony Zimmerman. Zimmerman becomes the first quarterback to sign with the Firebirds following the departure of three-year starter Raymond Philyaw, who opted to sign a two-year contract with the Chicago Rush on Wednesday.
Zimmerman (6'3, 200, Duquesne) set the af2 record for touchdown passes in a single season, throwing 93 touchdowns in 2003 and leading the Quad City Steamwheelers to a 14-2 regular-season record and claiming the Midwest Division championship. He finished the season with 4,357 passing yards, finishing second in the league, and threw just seven interceptions boasting a passer rating of 117.98.
After back-to-back losses to open the season, Zimmerman guided the Steamwheelers on a 14 game winning streak that guaranteed the team the top seed in the af2 playoffs. Zimmerman led a Quad City offense that had three 1,000 yard receivers during the 2003 season, a first in af2 history. He also ran for 17 touchdowns, getting his total touchdown responsibility 110 for the regular season. During an April 11th loss against Tennessee Valley, Zimmerman completed 22-of-38 pass attempts for 370 yards and eight touchdowns, while adding another score on the ground. The second-year signal caller would avenge that loss on July 19th, tossing another eight touchdowns to lead the Steamwheelers to a 63-34 victory over the Vipers.
"Tony is a pure thrower with natural quarterback instincts", commented Head Coach Steve DeBerg. "He has very good mechanics and an excellent awareness of what is going on the field around him. His nice, quick release gives him a strong advantage in the arena game, plus he is a very smart kid. Tony has an outstanding chance to come in here and compete and eventually contribute to the success of our team."
In 2002, Zimmerman started the season on a tear, throwing 36 touchdown passes in Quad City's first seven games. However, the season ended abruptly when the rookie broke his leg in a game versus division rival Peoria.. He is the all-time leading passer in Duquesne history in attempts (889), yardage (7,313) and touchdowns (73). A first team I-AA All-American and All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference selection, along with being the conference's Player of the Year in 2000, Zimmerman holds virtually every single game and single season passing record for the Dukes.
The Firebirds have also signed another two-year veteran of af2, offensive specialist Anthony Hines. Hines (5'11, 185, Winston Salem State) played the 2003 season with the Atlantic Division Champion Cape Fear Wildcats, leading the team with 114 receptions (4th in af2), good for 1,575 yards (3rd in af2) and 26 touchdowns. Hines also returned 33 kicks (2 TD) for an average of 21.2 yards per return.
Hines was named the af2 Offensive Player of the Week in week 18, when he hauled in a league-record 19 receptions for 222 yards in a 48-41 win over Norfolk.. He set the record for yards in a single game earlier in the season (232) versus Rochester in week 13. In 2002, Hines played in 10 games for the Roanoke Steam, catching 60 passes for 776 yards and six touchdowns. He also totaled 18 tackles and one fumble return for a score defensively.
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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