Firebirds Sign Three More, Including Former Colt Olsen
December 2, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Firebirds announced today that they have signed three more free-agents for the 2004 AFL season. Two of the three, OL/DL's Tom Burke and Hans Olsen, are expected to bolster the Firebirds already successful front line, while QB David Priestley returns to camp with Indiana for the second straight season.
Burke (6'3, 275) was the 22nd pick of the third round (83rd overall) in the 1999 NFL Draft, being selected by the Arizona Cardinals. He finished an impressive rookie season totaling 41.5 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 7 hurries, two passes defended and one forced fumble in 16 games. Injuries would cause Burke to miss some time over the next three seasons, all of which he spent with the Cardinals, but he still managed to record 53.0 total tackles and 4.5 sacks for his NFL career. Burke entered the draft out of University of Wisconsin, where he led the nation in sacks (20) and tackles for loss (30) during his All-American senior year. He ranks second on the Badgers' career list with 32 quarterback sacks and 54 tackles for loss, despite starting only two and one-half seasons.
Olsen (6'4, 298) has spent the last two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, being signed to the practice squad twice after being initially signed as a free-agent on April 26, 2001. During the 2001 NFL season, Olsen was on the roster for the final six weeks of the season and recorded one tackle. Olsen, who is the nephew of Hall of Fame lineman Merlin Olsen (L.A. Rams), saw action at both DE and DT at Brigham Young University. He started 26 of 41 games, recording 89 tackles, five sacks and 23 tackles for loss, en route to being named an All-Mountain West Conference choice as a senior in 2000.
Priestley (6'4, 218) returns to the Firebirds after spending 2003 in NFL Europe. The former University of Pittsburgh standout saw action with three NFL Europe clubs gaining his most extended playing time while with the Amsterdam Admirals. During his stay with the Admirals, Priestley appeared in four games completing 28 of 52 passes (53.8%) for 326 yards with four touchdowns and one interception. Following the conclusion of the 2003 NFL Europe regular season, Priestley was added to the roster of the Frankfurt Galaxy for World Bowl XI, however did not see action in the Championship game. Priestly ranks 4th on Pitt's all-time passing list (4,553 yards) and led his team to a berth in the Florida Tangerine Bowl.
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.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from December 2, 2003
- Ken Kocher (UCLA) signs with L.A. Avengers - Los Angeles Avengers
- Gladiators Showcase New Football Uniforms - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Firebirds Sign Three More, Including Former Colt Olsen - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Crush Signs Moore-Brown - Colorado Crush
- Las Vegas Gladiators Single Game Tickets to Go on Sale December 8 - Las Vegas Gladiators
- AFL Interest Continues to Grow Globally - AFL I
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