Las Vegas Gladiators Sign Three from Mini-camp
Published on January 16, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release
Las Vegas, NV, January 16, 2004 â The Las Vegas Gladiators signed three players following their three day mini-camp this week. Inked to contracts were OS Ryan Russell and WR/DB's Mike Duncan and Michael Johnson.
To make room on the roster, the Gladiators released defensive specialist Anthony Cobbs, who was unable to pass a physical prior to the start of training camp, OS Aaron Jones, who spent last season on the Gladiators' practice squad and WR/DB Keith Heyward, who was signed in the off-season. Cobbs signed with the Gladiators on December 3, 2003. He spent the last three seasons with the San Jose SaberCats.
Russell (5-10, 175, W. Liberty St.) was originally signed by the Gladiators on October 27, 2003, but was released prior to training camp. He spent the 2003 season with the Cincinnati Swarm of af2. The speedy California native finished his Division II career as the WVIAC conference's number two all-time leader in kickoff and punt return average. He added 54 catches for 762 yards and six touchdowns.
Duncan (6-1, 190, Portland St.) spent time in training camp with the Chicago Rush in 2002 before playing in 10 games for the San Diego Riptide of af2. Duncan was second on the Riptide with three interceptions and third on the team with 42 tackles.
Johnson (5-11, 190, UNLV) was UNLV's second leading receiver in 2003, catching 42 balls for 457 yards and one touchdown. He finished his career having caught a pass in 32 consecutive games. In his four-year career at UNLV, Johnson totaled 112 receptions for 1,432 yards and five touchdowns.
The Gladiators are now Armed & Dangerous to challenge the AFL Western Division with All-AFL quarterback Clint Dolezel and the most prolific receiving core in the Arena Football League, which includes newcomers Terrill Shaw, Marcus Nash and Maurice Bryant.
Often recognized as one of the nation's most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the Arena Football League will begin its 18th season in February 2004, making it the second-longest running football league in U.S. history, trailing only the NFL. On the strength of its Mission Statement and Fans' Bill of Rights, the AFL is America's fastest growing sport. The Austin Wranglers joins the Philadelphia Soul and New Orleans VooDoo as the three expansion teams added for the 2004 season. At least two more teams will be added in each of the next two seasons. A network-TV sport, the AFL will celebrate its second season on NBC in 2004.
Gladiators' 2004 season seats are on sale now. Fans interested in purchasing Gladiators' season seats can do so by calling the Gladiators office at 702-731-4977 or by calling 702-739-FANS.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 16, 2004
- SaberCats Prepared to Hold the Line (or Bust through it) - San Jose SaberCats
- Las Vegas Gladiators Sign Three from Mini-camp - Las Vegas Gladiators
- SaberKittens Tryouts set for January 17 - San Jose SaberCats
- Desperados To Promote Children's Literacy - Dallas Desperados
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.
