Force Completes Roster with Three Signings
Published on January 5, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Georgia Force News Release
ATLANTA, GA. â The Georgia Force, of the Arena Football League, announced today the signing of three free agents to complete its training camp roster with 37 players. The Force has reached contract agreements with the following individuals:
Fullback/ Linebacker- Larry Bowie
Offensive/ Defensive Lineman- Juan Porter
Fullback/ Linebacker- Robert Thomas
"These last three signings are just as important in the building of this team as the first was." said Head Coach Marty Lowe. "Bowie and Thomas each bring a lot of experience from an NFL level to our club and they will both be looked towards as key contributors for this season. Also bringing Juan back was important for us in helping establish a strong line."
BOWIE (6-1, 270, Georgia) is a five-year NFL veteran playing with the Washington Redskins from 1996-99 and spending the last couple of seasons with the New England Patriots and St. Louis Rams. During his tenure in the NFL, which saw him start in 17 of 25 games, he registered 108 yards rushing on 32 carries and caught 44 passes for 458 yards and scored a combined five touchdowns. Bowie is a graduate of the University of Georgia and played for the Bulldogs in the 1994 and 1995 seasons after transferring from Northeast Oklahoma A&M. While at UGA, he recorded 349 rushing yards, 208 receiving yards and tallied four touchdowns.
PORTER (6-4, 310, Ohio State) returns for a second season with the Force after playing in 10 games last season. A three-year AFL veteran, he is a natural offensive lineman but has the quickness and feet to be an effective pass rusher. For his career, Porter has recorded 12.5 tackles and one sack. A two-time All-Big Ten selection, Porter has spent time on the rosters of the New England Patriots, Washington Redskins, Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe and the New York Hitmen of the XFL.
THOMAS (6-1, 273, Henderson State) is a longtime NFL veteran with the Dallas Cowboys, who played both fullback and linebacker during his NFL tenure. He played in over 60 games, including over 25 starts, as a member of the Cowboys from 1998-2002. Thomas began his career in Dallas as a linebacker, but following an injury to starting fullback Daryl Johnston; he was moved into the position in 1999. Thomas served as Emmitt Smith's lead blocker for four seasons and helped pave the way as Smith ran for 109 yards on 24 carries and became the NFL's all-time leading rusher with an 11-yard run in the fourth quarter versus Seattle (10/27/02). Thomas closed out his collegiate career at Henderson State as the school's all-time leading tackler with 388 tackles.
The Georgia Force will open their third season of play in the AFL when they kickoff the 2004 season on Sunday, February 8th at 3:00 p.m. against the New York Dragons in the Arena at Gwinnett Center. The league continues to grow in its 18th season, recently adding New Orleans, Philadelphia and Austin to the 16 teams that competed last season. A network-TV sport, the AFL will celebrate its 2nd season on NBC in 2004. Georgia Force season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased with most major credit cards by calling (770) 813-7610 or visit: www.georgiaforce.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 5, 2004
- Desperados Set to Open Mini-Camp and Training Camp - Dallas Desperados
- Destroyers Begin Preparations for Season with Mini Camp January 7-9 - Columbus Destroyers
- Force Completes Roster with Three Signings - Georgia Force
- AFL Teams Gear Up for Start of 2004 Season - AFL I
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