Grady Inks Three-Year Contract
November 2, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - Utah Blaze QB Tommy Grady has agreed to terms on a three-year contract that will keep him with the franchise through the 2015 season, the team announced today. Now entering his third season with the organization, Grady was honored as the Arena Football League's Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year after a record-breaking campaign in 2012.
"I have no hesitation in saying Tommy Grady is one of the best players in the Arena Football League," Head Coach Ron James stated. "He is as talented as they come, but what sets him apart is his approach to the game. Tommy works tirelessly to perfect his craft day in and day out, and gives every ounce of effort every time he steps on the field. It has truly been a pleasure coaching Tommy and without a doubt, he is the player we want to build our franchise around."
"I would like to thank the Utah Blaze ownership for giving me the opportunity to continue what we've started," said Grady. "We've built something special here in Utah and I'm committed to the long-term goals we've established. I would also like to thank our coaching staff for constantly putting me in position to be successful. I'm excited to have this part of the process behind me so we can begin working towards a championship in 2013."
Grady (6-7, 240, Utah) shattered countless records en route to earning the Arena Football League's most prestigious individual honor in 2012. During the regular season, the Blaze signal caller toppled previous all-time AFL marks for total touchdowns (149), total yards (5,932), passing yards (5,870), passing touchdowns (142), pass completions (507) and pass attempts (743). Including two playoff appearances, Grady passed for 6,637 yards and 157 touchdowns while adding 65 yards and seven more scores on the ground.
During his first season with the Blaze, Grady was on pace to surpass multiple AFL passing records before an injury limited him to just 15 games. Grady still managed to tie Joe Germaine's single-season franchise record by throwing 107 touchdown passes while gaining 4,365 yards. In two seasons with Utah, Grady has thrown for 11,002 yards and 264 touchdowns.
Grady becomes the second player assigned to the Blaze during the Arena Football League's Exclusive Period. His three-year deal includes the maximum contract length permitted under the guidelines of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Arena Football League Stories from November 2, 2012
- Joe Goosby Becomes Fourth to Return to Soul in 2013 - Philadelphia Soul
- Donovan Morgan Returns to Soul for Third Season - Philadelphia Soul
- Deryn Bowser Assigned to Barnstormers - Iowa Barnstormers
- "Bam Bam" Back with Blaze - Utah Blaze
- Victor DeGrate, Jr. Returns to Talons for Three More Years - San Antonio Talons
- Marco Thomas Returns to Barnstormers for Two More Seasons - Iowa Barnstormers
- Grady Inks Three-Year Contract - Utah Blaze
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