Former Rampage Standout Returns to Grand Rapids

Published on October 15, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


Grand Rapids Rampage on Wednesday penned their first free agent acquisition for the 2004 season when Thomas Bailey signed a contract (pending AFL approval) on the first day of free agency at the team's practice facility - The Soccer Spot - in Kentwood.

Bailey (6'0" 200 lbs Auburn) played for three seasons (1998-2000) with the Rampage following a two-year stint in the National Football League with the Cincinnati Bengals and two more seasons with the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe.

In those three seasons with the Rampage, Bailey tallied 289 receptions for 3,359 yards with 59 receiving touchdowns. In 1999, he had a record-breaking season, catching 133 balls for 1,578 yards with 33 TDs on his way to being named the team MVP. In his rookie campaign (1998) he was named the team's Ironman of the Year. His 133 catches in 1999 are still the fourth-best in Arena Football history.

In 2001, he joined the Orlando Predators, then spent seasons with the Buffalo Destroyers (2002) and Detroit Fury (2003). He played collegiate football and ran track for the Auburn Tigers, where he led the nation in punt and kickoff return yards his junior season en route to being named All-SEC Second Team. He was a member of the undefeated 1993 team and he ranks fifth in school history in receptions (93) for 1,243 yards.

He was born in Dallas, Texas, but was raised primarily in Germany because his father - Thomas, Sr. - was a 28-year Army veteran. He resides in Grand Rapids with his fiancée Jacqueline.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 15, 2003


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