NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Firebirds Sign Former Kicker of the Year Clay Rush

October 31, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


INDIANAPOLIS - In a move that will strengthen their special teams, the Indiana Firebirds of the Arena Football League announced today that they have signed veteran place kicker Clay Rush to a two-year contract. Terms for the deal were not disclosed.

Rush, a four-year Arena Football League veteran, has spent his entire AFL career with the New York Dragons (formerly Iowa Barnstormers) franchise. For his career, Rush has connected on 58-of-103 field goal attempts (56.3%) and 313-of-342 PAT's (91.5%).

Rush's best season as a pro came during the 2000 season. He finished seventh in the AFL in scoring and was tops among all kickers (147). Rush also finished that season first in PAT's made (99) and PAT percentage (.952) and was tied for fourth with 16 field goals made. Rush capped off the 2000 season by being honored as the AFL's Kicker of the Year and was named First-Team All-Arena.

In 2001, Rush set a League record with 110 PAT's made, which led the league for the second straight year. Last season Rush's 136 points was good for second in the AFL among kickers.

"Clay is an excellent kicker and a proven star in the Arena Football League," said Head Coach Mike Dailey. "He has a strong leg with the ability to consistently kick the ball on the upper half of the net. We look for him to be a great addition to our club."

Rush has attended training camp with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons ('99) and Detroit Lions ('98).

During his collegiate career, Rush was named to the MIAA All-Conference Team and was NCAA Division II Second Team All-American in his senior year at Missouri Western.

The 2003 season marks the historical 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. The Birds home opener is slated for Sunday, February, 16th versus the Chicago Crush 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.

• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 31, 2002


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 Albany/Indiana Firebirds Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central