Georgia Force Quarterback James Brown Heads to NFL Europe
February 19, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Georgia Force News Release
ATLANTA, GA. - The Georgia Force announced today that quarterback James Brown has accepted an invitation to play with the Scottish Claymores in NFL Europe. It is Georgia Force and Arena Football League policy to allow players to pursue opportunities in the NFL and NFL Europe at their request. The move comes only days after Brown stepped in for starter Donnie Davis to lead the Force to a 51-49 victory against the defending AFL World Champion San Jose SaberCats last Sunday in the Force's home opener in the Arena at Gwinnett Center.
Brown was thrust into the starting spot only hours prior to kickoff when Davis, who suffered a left hand injury at Detroit the week before, could not play. Brown had a career day as the game's leading passer and rusher finishing 23-for-37 passing for 219 yards and four touchdowns, while rushing for 17 yards on five carries. With one second remaining on the clock, Brown capped off his performance with an 11-yard touchdown strike to Darryl Hammond as time expired to capture the win for the Force
"James has always showed an amazing amount of ability and professionalism during my time with him in Nashville and here in Georgia," said Head Coach Marty Lowe. "He prepares himself every week as if he was the starter, so it was no surprise to me that he was able to step in and lead this team to victory last week. While we will miss him, I wish him all the continued success.
Davis' injury status will be evaluated throughout the week and AFL rookie Leon Murray will assume the backup duties.
In other roster moves, Defensive Specialist Cliff Green and Offensive/ Defensive Lineman Kerwin Hairston were placed on Injured Reserve. To fill out the 24-man active roster, the Force activated Offensive/ Defensive Lineman Sean Powell from Injured Reserve and signed Quarterback Todd Bankhead and Offensive/ Defensive Lineman Oscar Sturgis.
Bankhead participated in training camp with the Force this season before being waived prior to the start of the regular season. Sturgis, a four-year AFL veteran, played in 13 games with the Force last season recording 10 tackles and one sack on the year.
The Georgia Force is 2-1 on the season and will hosts its second straight home game when the Buffalo Destroyers visit the Arena at Gwinnett Center on Saturday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m. Season tickets and flex packs are on sale and can be purchased with a credit card by calling (770) 813-7610 or visit www.georgiaforce.com. Force individual game tickets are available by calling TicketMaster at (404) 249-6400 or visit www.ticketmaster.com or by purchase at the Gwinnett Civic Center Box Office.
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