Former Nighthawk Jumps to NFL
August 12, 2002 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Norfolk Nighthawks News Release
Norfolk, VA (August 12, 2002) - Former Norfolk Nighthawks' WR/DB Jason Waters signed a free agent contract to play for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League last Thursday.
Waters was signed by the Grand Rapids Rampage (AFL) following the 2001 af2 season, where he played in 12 games for Norfolk and finished as the team's third leading receiver and seventh highest tackler. A graduate of Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, VA, Waters was released by the Rampage before being signed by the Buffalo Destroyers (AFL) and finishing the 2002 season on their 24-man roster.
While playing with Grand Rapids, the former University of Tennessee track star amassed 42.5 tackles (25 solo), one interception and 18 pass breakups, a total good enough for eleventh in the league.
"It was evident in his short time with us that he was a very talented player," said Destroyers head coach and general manager Ray Bentley. "It is no surprise to see him get a chance in the NFL."
Waters played WR/DB for Norfolk in 2001, but bounced between OS and DS while in the Arena Football League with Grand Rapids and Buffalo. He had a career-high six pass breakups on May 25th vs. Buffalo, before he was awarded to the Destroyers off waivers a month later.
Waters, who will compete for a wide receiver spot with the Panthers, becomes the first Norfolk Nighthawks player to earn a contract with an NFL team. He still holds the team record for the longest touchdown run (36-yards, 7/20/01 vs. Roanoke).
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