Gladiators re-sign Marcus Nash to two-year extension
Published on May 29, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release
Las Vegas, NV, May 29, 2004 â The Las Vegas Gladiators and offensive specialist Marcus Nash came to terms on a two-year contract extension that will keep Nash in the Red & Black through the 2006 season.
In addition, the Gladiators re-signed WR/LB Coco Blalock, OL/DL Joe Burch and DL/FB Desmond Byrd, all of whom would have been free agents at season's end.
Nash (6-4, 225, Tennessee) has rewritten the AFL record books during his first season with the Gladiators. With one game still to play on Sunday at the Thomas & Mack vs. Columbus, the former NFL first-round draft choice leads the AFL in 10 different statistical categories and has established a new AFL single-season reception mark with 148 catches and counting. Nash's numbers for 2004 also include 1,709 yards and 44 receiving touchdowns with three rushing touchdowns.
Nash is also closing in on several other AFL records when the Gladiators take on the Destroyers on Sunday. With three touchdown catches, Nash will break the single season touchdown reception record of 46 set in 2000 by Mike Horacek and equaled last season by Chris Jackson and Mike Furrey. Nash could also break the total touchdown record by scoring five touchdowns on Sunday, breaking Eddie Browns 1999 mark of 51 and with 23 points scored, Nash will establish a new single-season scoring record, eclipsing Barry Wagner's 1997 mark of 310.
Blalock (5-10, 185, Western Illinois) recharged the Gladiators after joining the team in week 12 this season. The two-year veteran took the first kickoff he saw in a Gladiator uniform in 2004 56 yards for a touchdown, thus embarking the Gladiators on a wild four-game winning streak. On the season, Blalock has 73 receptions for 802 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has also returned 45 kicks for 921 yards and two touchdowns. Blalock spent the first 11 weeks of the season with Columbus. He was the Gladiators team MVP during the 2001 season when the team was in New Jersey.
Burch (6-2, 296, Texas Southern) has been a pillar on the Gladiators offensive and defensive line this year. Although he missed six games with a fractured orbital bone, the seven-year veteran was an anchor at the center/nose guard position in his first season in Las Vegas. Burch has 5.5 tackles and one sack going into this weekend's game with Columbus.
Byrd (6-3, 280, Oregon) was a force on both sides of the ball this season for Las Vegas. Playing his entire career at OL/DL, Byrd made the switch to FB/LB in training camp and provided the Gladiators with a lethal one-two punch along side Frank Carter. Through 15 games, Byrd has rushed seven times for 17 yards and one score, and totaled 9.5 tackles with two sacks on defense.
The Gladiators close out the regular season when they take on the Columbus Destroyers at the Thomas & Mack Center on Sunday, May 30 at 3:00 PM. Tickets are still available for the final chance to see the 2004 Gladiators and can be purchased by calling 731-4977, 739-FANS or logging onto UNLVtickets.com.
Season tickets for the 2005 season are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Las Vegas Gladiators office at 702-731-4977. Fans can get a look at their potential seats by logging onto LVGladiators.com and clicking on virtual seating.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 29, 2004
- Miscues Doom Cobras in 70-33 Defeat - Carolina Cobras
- Colorado Crush activate Thal Woods - Colorado Crush
- Gladiators re-sign Marcus Nash to two-year extension - Las Vegas Gladiators
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.
