Grady Named AFL's Most Valuable Player
Published on August 9, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - An extraordinary season by Utah Blaze QB Tommy Grady has finally culminated in the Arena Football League's most prestigious individual honor, as the AFL Office announced today that Grady has been named the 2012 National Guard Most Valuable Player of the Year. In addition, Grady also took home Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Year accolades.
"I'm honored to receive the MVP award on behalf of our team," said Grady. "I've had the benefit of being surrounded with an amazing group of teammates and coaches. This award signifies everything that we have been able to accomplish together this season."
In 2012, Grady (6-7, 245, Utah) produced the most prolific individual season of any quarterback in AFL history. Including playoffs, he threw for an unprecedented 6,637 yards and 157 touchdowns. Grady set regular season League records for passing touchdowns (142), total touchdowns (149), passing yards (5,870), pass completions (507) and pass attempts (743).
Grady became the first player in AFL history to throw for 12 touchdowns in a single game when he did so against the Cleveland Gladiators during Utah's regular season home finale. In the National Conference Championship, he set all-time playoff marks for touchdowns (10) and attempts (63). Grady also posted 2012 AFL season-highs with 436 passing yards and 439 total yards against the Kansas City Command.
With Grady at the helm, Utah was able to generate the AFL's best passing attack by averaging an eye-opening 319.9 aerial yards per game. The Blaze also set regular season team records for passing yards (5,758), touchdowns (142), completions (510), attempts (753) and first downs (332).
Grady was a first-team All-Arena selection in 2012. His performances earned him numerous weekly honors throughout the season. Grady garnered the Russell Athletic Offensive Player of Week award on three occasions and was named the National Guard Most Valuable Player of the Week twice. He also collected AFL Playmaker of the Week accolades against the Cleveland Gladiators (Week 19) and Spalding Highlight of the Week recognition against the New Orleans VooDoo (Week 4).
Arena Football League Stories from August 9, 2012
- Grady Named AFL's Most Valuable Player - Utah Blaze
- Soul's Hughley Named Ironman of the Year - Philadelphia Soul
- Sykes Named Riddell Defensive Player of the Year - AFL
- Utah's Grady Named National Guard MVP, Russell Offensive Player of the Year - AFL
- Jared Perry Named Net10 Rookie of the Year - Chicago Rush
- Top 25 Players in AFL History: the Top Two - AFL
- Soul's Hughley Earns Ironman, Rush's Perry Rookie of Year - AFL
- Storm Organization Honored by League Office - Tampa Bay Storm
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.
