Fleming returns to Predators
May 15, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. (May 15, 2006) - Cory Fleming, one of the top players in Arena Football League history, is coming back to the Orlando Predators organization. On Monday, head coach Jay Gruden announced the signing of Fleming. He will be eligible for the Predators quarterfinal playoff game on Sunday, May 28.
Fleming had one of the most productive runs in Predators history, catching 323 passes for 3,935 yards and 94 touchdowns in three seasons from 2002-05. Following the 2005 season - citing personal issues and a desire to return to his hometown - Fleming requested and was granted a trade to the Nashville Kats.
Orlando traded Fleming to Nashville for lineman Henry Taylor. Fleming's numbers dipped in 2005, as he caught 51 passes for 595 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games. Taylor would lead the league in quarterback sacks with 8.5 and start every game for the Predators. Fleming was released by Nashville on Friday and became a free agent.
Gruden was cautiously optimistic about the return of Fleming. "Anytime you can add a player who caught 96 passes and scored 33 touchdowns for you just a year ago, you have to do it," Gruden said. "We'll get him back to town this weekend, watch him in practice and determine if he can help us in the playoffs."
In Fleming, the Predators pick up one of the top players in league history. During the pre-season, the Arena Football League named Fleming to its list of the league's "20 Greatest Players," tabbing the wide receiver / linebacker at 14th. For his career, Fleming has caught 846 passes for 10,217 yards and 235 touchdowns. He has 18 career interceptions, 47 pass defenses and 162 career tackles from his "jack" linebacker position.
Fleming was named "US Army Ironman of the Year" with the Predators in 2004. He led the team in receiving with a club record 131 receptions for 1,620 yards and 33 touchdowns to go with four pass defenses and an interception on defense. Last year, he played in just 14 games but managed to tie his franchise record for receiving touchdowns (33) with 96 catches for 1,089 yards. He had 96 receptions for 1,226 yards and 28 touchdowns in his first season with Orlando in 2003.
Orlando went 10-6 this season, capturing its seventh division title and first since 2002. As Southern Division champion, the Predators earned a first round playoff bye and will host a quarterfinal game on Sunday, May 28. The opponent will be determined by the outcome of this week's Wild Card playoff round that finds Georgia traveling to New York and Philadelphia playing at Austin. The only team Orlando could not possibly play is Georgia -- the number six seed in the National Conference. If Georgia defeats Austin, they would travel to Dallas (13-3) for a quarterfinal game and Orlando would play the winner of the Philadelphia/Austin game. If New York wins, the Predators would host the Dragons and Dallas would play the Philadelphia/Austin winner.
Tickets to the Predators quarterfinal game, priced from $15 to $70, are on sale by calling 407-44-PREDS
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