IFL Attracts Top Talent As Rochester Signs Three Former AFL Players
January 11, 2009 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Rochester Raiders News Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (January 11, 2009)- The Rochester Raiders of the Indoor Football League (IFL) have signed three top players, who come over to the IFL after the Arena Football League recently announced its suspension of operations. Today Quarterback Matt Kohn (Orlando Predators), Wide Receivers Rob Mager (Chicago Rush), and Cesare Manning (Kansas City Brigade) all signed contracts in the Raiders offices in downtown Rochester.
"These are three tremendously talented football players," commented Raiders Owner Bob Barto, "They bring a lot of experience having previously played in the AFL to our team and our league. This is not only a great thing for the Rochester Raiders it is also a great thing for the IFL. I am very excited for this season to start and to be a part of the top league in the country."
All three players played at the collegiate level at the University of Indianapolis and currently hold numerous school records. Matt Kohn currently holds every school passing record for both a career and season. Kohn also holds the NCAA DII record for passing yards in a game with 645 yards. Kohn went on to play in the UIFL were he was named Player of the Year and First Team all UIFL in 2006 before moving on to play in the Arena Football League with the Nashville Kats and Orlando Predators in 2007 and 2008 respectively. Cesare Manning also holds many records at the University of Indianapolis as the all-time leading receiver in both receptions and yards in a season and career. Manning also tied for the Arena Football League 2 (AF2) record for the most touchdowns in one game with seven. After leaving the University of Indianapolis Rob Mager went on to play for the Louisville Fire (AF2) where he was named AF2 Player of the Year and selected AF2 All-Arena First Team in 2006. Mager also holds the AF2 record with most touchdowns in one season with 54. In 2007 Mager was selected as the Co-Rookie of the Year in the AFL while playing for the Chicago Rush.
Since the announcement that the AFL was suspending operations, players have been looking for other places to play and continue their careers. The Raiders and the rest of the IFL teams have been receiving many calls from former AFL players interested in playing in the newly formed IFL. Expect many announcements in the coming weeks of former AFL players signing with IFL teams. With the signing of these three players it proves that whether it is indoor or arena the IFL has become the top league in the country.
The Raiders 2009 season kicks off March 19 when the Sioux Falls Storm come to Rochester for a Thursday night game at the Blue Cross Arena. Season tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased for only $70.00. For more information or to purchase season tickets visit www.rochesterraiders.com.
Indoor Football League Stories from January 11, 2009
- IFL Attracts Top Talent As Rochester Signs Three Former AFL Players - Rochester Raiders
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