Former NFL/UCF star signs with Predators
Published on December 14, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 14, 2006) - A former UCF All-American and starter in the National Football League will attempt a football comeback this year in the Arena Football League. GREG JEFFERSON, who last played professionally with the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2001 season, agreed to a one-year contract with the Orlando Predators on Friday afternoon.
Jefferson, 6-3, 275-lbs., came to the attention of Predators coaches at the team's Free Agent Open Tryout Camp on Saturday, Dec. 9. "Our line coach Willie Fears just raved about how well Greg did in the tryout camp," Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "Obviously he was a tremendous talent at both the college and NFL levels. Although he has been out of football for a while, he's still only 35-years-old and we believe he has some good football left in him."
A third round pick of the Eagles in 1995 (72nd pick overall), Jefferson went on to play six seasons in the National Football League. He appeared in 57 games for Eagles, where he was credited with 192 total tackles, 13.5 career sacks, 27 quarterback hurries and three fumble recoveries. His top two seasons came in 1998 and 1999, where he played in 31 games and recorded eight quarterback sacks.
Jefferson missed the entire 2000 season after tearing an ACL in training camp, which led to the Eagles placing him on injured reserve. He went to camp with the Eagles in 2001, where he was waived in the last round of cuts.
A former All-America selection with the Knights, Jefferson played four years for UCF and finished in second on the career quarterback sack list with 31. His other career totals included 182 total tackles with 11 tackles-for-loss and four pass break-ups. His 15 quarterback sacks in 1993 still rank as the second highest single season total in UCF history.
Since being released in 2000, Jefferson has been teaching school in the Orange County School system - most recently at Evans High School. A native of Orlando, Jefferson played high school football in Bartow. The signing gives the Predators 31 players under contract for the 2007 season.
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