Grady, Lesue Earn All-Arena Accolades
August 2, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Arena Football League announced today that QB Tommy Grady and WR Aaron Lesué have been named to the 2012 All-Arena Offensive team. After pacing the AFL's top-ranked passing offense, both players landed on the first-team squad.
In 2012, fans became more than accustomed to hearing the phrase, "Grady to Lesué." Now in their second season as teammates, the pair quickly formed a strong bond that made them one of the most potent combinations in the AFL. The duo set the tempo for a Utah offense that produced 319.9 aerial yards per game while combining on over 50 touchdown completions.
"Tommy and I all put a lot of work in during the offseason," said Lesué. "We went to the gym together, we threw together and we practiced routes. To see all of the hard work we've put in come together like this is really a great feeling."
Grady (6-7, 245, Utah) undoubtedly engineered the greatest individual season of any quarterback in AFL history. The Blaze signal caller shattered single-season League records for passing yards, touchdowns, completions and attempts. Grady finished the regular season throwing for 5,870 yards and 142 touchdowns with 21 interceptions on 507-of-743 passing (68.2%). He also added 62 yards and seven more scores on 38 carries, giving him an astounding 149 total touchdowns on the year.
"It's really an honor, but I wouldn't be able to do it without my teammates," said Grady. "Our offensive line has given me great protection, our receivers have run great routes, Coach [Matthew] Sauk always creates the best game plans, and [Head] Coach [Ron] James has done a great job of getting us prepared, week in and week out."
Known for his acrobatic post-touchdown antics, Lesué (5-10, 195, Utah State) had plenty of reasons to celebrate in 2012. Lesué emerged as one of the most dangerous receiving threats in the AFL this season, as he hauled a franchise-record 56 touchdown receptions - third-highest single-season total in League history. He also finished fourth in the AFL in receptions (155) and sixth in receiving yards (1,810). "I feel really fortunate to be in this situation," Lesué said. "If it weren't for Tommy, our receivers, our offensive line, and Coach Sauk, I wouldn't be able to accomplish what I have. I just do my best to do my assignment and execute the offense. To see all of our hard work result in this honor is really special."
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