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Fury Acquires Andy Kelly from Dallas

September 26, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Detroit Fury News Release


AUBURN HILLS, MICH. - The Detroit Fury of the Arena Football League announced today that they have acquired quarterback Andy Kelly from the Dallas Desperados in exchange for future considerations. The Fury have also received WR/DB Jason Kaiser and OL/DL Matt Norwood as part of the transaction. Per club and league policy, terms of the deal remain undisclosed.

Kelly became the AFL's all-time leader in passing yardage (23,882), passing TDs (455), completions (2,111) and attempts (3,429), while becoming professional football's career passing touchdown leader (472) during the Desperados 2002 season under the direction of new Fury Assistant Head Coach Tom Luginbill. With Dallas, Kelly finished second in the AFL in attempts (511) and third in completions (319) and TD passes (73).

"This is an important step to securing leadership and production at the most important position in the game," said Fury GM and Head Coach Al Luginbill. "Andy is a AFL veteran that has been through a lot in his career and brings a lot to the table. We are very fortunate to have him in Detroit."

Kelly, 34, will be entering his 10th year in the AFL and has led his teams over the past five years to ArenaBowl playoff berths. Kelly played five seasons (1997-2001) with the Nashville Kats. He led the team to two consecutive ArenaBowl appearances (2000 and 2001). Kelly played his first three seasons (1993-96) with the Charlotte Rage. The 6-3, 200-pound gunslinger out of Tennessee ranks second at UT in all-time passing yards (6,397) and TDs (36) behind current Indianapolis Colts signal caller Payton Manning. As the Vols QB, Kelly led his school to appearances in the Cotton, Sugar and Fiesta Bowls.

"I'm very excited to be coming to Detroit," said Kelly. "I know Tom Luginbill very well and have friends who have played for his dad in NFL Europe. I'm confident that they will do a great job getting talented players and good people for the Fury roster. I'm looking forward to the new challenge and am excited for the new opportunity."

Kaiser began the 2002 season with the Tampa Bay Storm. After playing two games with the club, Kaiser was injured and placed on IR. After his release by the Storm, Kaiser signed on with Dallas in late June and played four games with the Desperados. The 6-0, 195-pound wide receiver/defensive back played his college ball at Culver-Stockton.

Norwood enters his third season in the AFL. Norwood, a 6-2, 290-pound lineman was originally signed by the Nashville in 2001, but was traded to the Carolina Cobras for future considerations. With the Cobras, Norwood assisted on seven tackles but more importantly, provided ample protection for his quarterbacks. Norwood played the 2000 season with the Tennessee Valley Vipers of af2 under the direction of Tom Luginbill. Last season with Dallas, the graduate of Middle Tennessee State played in seven games. The AFL kicks off its 17th season on February 2, 2003, on NBC. For more Detroit Fury news and off-season updates, log on to www.detroitfury.com.

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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.

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