Kats sign star DB Cornelius Bonner
October 17, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Nashville Kats News Release
NASHVILLE (Oct. 17, 2005) - The Nashville Kats have agreed to terms with star wide receiver/defensive back Cornelius Bonner, head coach Pat Sperduto announced on Monday.
Bonner (6-0, 190) is a five-year veteran of arena football and his 12 interceptions over the last two seasons is the second-most of any player in the AFL. The 29-year old played the last two years with the Las Vegas Gladiators, picking off six passes and finishing second on his team with 76 total tackles in 2005. The two-way standout has caught 198 passes for 2,554 yards and 39 touchdowns in his AFL career, and he has posted 190.5 total tackles, 14 INT's and 27 pass breakups in that span.
"Cornelius is a great football player who knows how to make plays," said Sperduto. "His numbers over the last five years speak for themselves. He is a guy that makes things happen in all phases of the game, whether that's forcing turnovers, catching passes or on special teams. We're excited to have him here, and we think Kats fans will really like seeing him play."
Bonner began his AFL career with the Chicago Rush, with whom he played from 2001 to 2003. He began his pro career with the arenafootball2 Carolina Rhinos in 2000 and has also played in the CFL. Bonner is an alumnus of Cincinnati, where he played three seasons as a defensive back with the Bearcats and helped the team win the 1997 Humanitarian Bowl.
Bonner is the latest addition to a Kats roster that has changed considerably in recent weeks. In addition to signing Bonner's Las Vegas teammate and All-Arena FB/LB Frank Carter two weeks ago, the Kats also acquired AFL All-Rookie quarterback Clint Stoerner in a trade from the Dallas Desperados. Each AFL team can keep 37 players on their active roster during the offseason and training camp, but must cut down to 24 players before the first week of the regular season. The 2006 AFL season is set to kick off in late January.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 17, 2005
- Destroyers add third franchise player - Columbus Destroyers
- Rush signs QB Rolovich, OS Smith - Chicago Rush
- Kats sign star DB Cornelius Bonner - Nashville Kats
- Soul sign AFL veteran defensive specialist Kevin Gaines - Philadelphia Soul
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