Georgia Force Lands Top Free Agents Burks and McCullough
October 20, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Georgia Force News Release
ATLANTA, GA. â The Georgia Force, of the Arena Football League, announced today the signing of two of the league's most coveted free agents in this year's free agency pool. The Force signed contracts with Dialleo Burks and Andy McCullough, who both played their first two years in the AFL with the Dallas Desperados.
With the Desperados, Burks and McCullough made up two-thirds of an offensive unit that finished the 2002 season ranked first in the AFL in total offense and fifth in scoring.
"I am very excited to have these two players joining the Georgia Force," said Head Coach Marty Lowe. "Assistant Head Coach Bob Kronenberg and myself have been working hard this off-season to identify players that we felt could help take this team to where we want to be and I truly believe we have that with Andy and Dialleo. The talent level and experience that they possess will instantly give our team the added boost we were looking to add for next season.
Lowe went on to explain, "It is not often that you have the opportunity to add two players of this caliber to your roster. Both Andy and Dialleo have proven their offensive skills at this level and they have shown their ability to work together as teammates in Dallas. Pairing two individuals that caught 95 plus passes for over 1,200 yards and 20 plus touchdowns each last season with our returning quarterback Leon Murray, gives us the best chance to compete week-in and week-out.
BURKS (6-3, 195, Eastern Kentucky) hails from LaGrange, Georgia and will be entering his third season in the AFL in 2003. Last season, he established all new Dallas team-records and career-highs with 102 catches for 1,226 yards and 28 touchdowns. His 102 receptions placed him eighth in the league in catches. Burks was named AFL Offensive Player of the Week following his Week 10 performance vs. San Jose.
McCULLOUGH (6-4, 210, Tennessee) joins the Force after spending his first two seasons in the AFL with the Dallas as the club's all-time leading receiver. Last season, he posted career-highs in all receiving categories with 96 catches 1,215 yards 24 touchdowns. His 96 receptions on the year placed him tied for tenth in the AFL. McCullough also added a career-high 22.5 tackles and two interceptions while on defense. He was named AFL Ironman of the Week following his Week 6 performance vs. Colorado. In 2002, he was named to the AFL's All-Rookie team.
The Georgia Force will start their third season of play in the AFL when the 2004 season kicks off in February. The league continues to grow in its 18th season, recently adding New Orleans, Philadelphia and Austin to the 16 teams that competed last season. A network-TV sport, the AFL will celebrate its 2nd season on NBC in 2004. Georgia Force season tickets are on sale now and can be reserved with most major credit cards by calling (770) 813-7610 or visit: www.georgiaforce.com.
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