Sports stats



AFL Arizona Rattlers

Former AFL Rookie of the Year and Cornhusker Joins Arizona

October 19, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Arizona Rattlers News Release


MESA, Ariz. - The Arizona Rattlers announce the signing of 2011 Arena Football League Rookie of the Year WR MAURICE PURIFY.

"Maurice told us that he has been trying to move his family to Arizona since his time in the NFL," said GM/HEAD COACH KEVIN GUY. "The timing was just right for him to join our roster. He will be a great fit with the other receivers that we were fortunate enough to sign."

Purify signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008, spending two seasons on the practice squad, collecting seven receptions for 71 yards in preseason games. He signed with the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League in 2011.

"I'm really excited to join the Rattlers," said Purify. "It's a winning program. It's a team that has been to ArenaBowls and is looking to go back. Arizona has a great quarterback in QB NICK DAVILA. I'm ready to be a part of the organization and play in front of some great fans."

The wide receiver earned 2011 Rookie of the Year honors with the Georgia Force, snaring 130 catches for 1,653 yards and 46 touchdowns. In 16 games, Purify averaged 103.3 receiving yards per game and his touchdowns (46) were an AFL fourth best.

Purify played collegiately at Nebraska where he earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors (2007) after a senior season where he collected 57 catches for 814 yards and nine touchdowns. In two years as a Cornhusker, Purify posted a career stat line of 91 catches for 1,444 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Prior to his time at Nebraska, Purify played junior college ball at San Francisco City College (2004-2005), where he grabbed 92 catches for 1,762 yards and 30 touchdowns.

• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...

Arena Football League Stories from October 19, 2011


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.

OurSports Central