Firebirds Sign Brian Alford from Practice Squad, Waive Backup QB Ballard
April 17, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Firebirds of the Arena Football League have signed former Purdue University standout, wide receiver/defensive back Brian Alford from the practice squad to their active roster. Alford originally signed to the Firebirds' practice squad on January 30th. Alford's services will be available when Indiana travels to San Jose to face the ArenaBowl Champion SaberCats this Saturday night.
Alford was a third-round selection by the New York Giants in the 1998 NFL Draft. In two seasons with the Giants, he recorded two catches for 18 yards and one touchdown. Following his stint with the Giants, Alford was signed to the Miami Dolphins' practice squad in December of 2000, before being released prior to the start of the season.
Alford orchestrated one of the most prolific offensive careers in the history of Purdue University. The owner of numerous receiving records at Purdue, Alford is currently the school's all-time leader in receiving yards (3,029), touchdown catches (31), and is seventh in receptions (164). Following his senior season, Alford was honored as a First-Team All-American by Football News after setting a school record for receiving yards in a season (1,228).
The Firebirds have also waived quarterback Jim Ballard. Ballard spent five weeks with the team, appearing in two games and making his lone start for the Firebirds this season in week eight versus the Tampa Bay Storm where he completed 11-of-21 pass attempts for 128 yards and threw one touchdown. For the season, Ballard completed 19-of-32 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns.
The Firebirds return to the road this weekend to face the defending ArenaBowl Champion San Jose SaberCats on Saturday night in the first of a two-game road trip. The game will be broadcast live on UPN Indiana with kickoff set for 9:30 pm (Indianapolis Time). The game can also be heard on the Firebirds' Radio Network, which includes ESPN Radio 950 AM (Indianapolis), WPZZ 95.9 FM (Franklin), ESPN Radio 1130 AM (Brazil) and ESPN Radio 1300 AM (Terre Haute).
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 17, 2003
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