McFadden Named to Al Lucas Hero Team for Community Service
July 15, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release
GRAND RAPIDS - Grand Rapids Rampage linebacker Michael McFadden (Saginaw, Mich.) was named to the Arena Football League's Al Lucas Hero Team yesterday for his contributions to the West Michigan community this past year. The former Grand Valley State University standout visited over 6,500 area athletes during the 2007 offseason and contributed to several charitable causes throughout the 2008 AFL season.
McFadden joins 10 other players as nominees for the AFL's 2008 Al Lucas Hero Award, which will be announced this Thursday (July 17). The Al Lucas Hero Award is presented annually to the player who makes the most significant contribution to both his community and the game of Arena Football. The award was created in honor of the late Los Angeles Avengers lineman Al Lucas, who believed in both giving back to his community and growing the AFL.
This past offseason, McFadden spoke with over 5,000 youth football players across West Michigan during the Rampage Youth Football Program presented by Wendy's. Additionally, he played a key role in the U.S. Army "Be Strong for Life" High School Tour, interacting with 1,500 students at Grand Rapids' Central High School, Creston High School and Godfrey-Lee High School. Throughout these visits, McFadden stressed the importance of education, discipline and heart as keys to success in football and life.
During the season, during which he earned AFL All-Rookie Team honors after leading the Rampage with four sacks, McFadden continued to work hard to impact his community. He made weekly after-school visits to Harrison Park Elementary School from April through May, participated in the Children Miracle Network's telethon benefiting Helen DeVos Children's Hopsital, and volunteered as a Big Brother for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Grand Rapids.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 15, 2008
- Rattlers' Bruce Named to AFL's Al Lucas Hero Team - Arizona Rattlers
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- Eight TDs Earns D'Orazio Weekly Honor - Philadelphia Soul
- Swayne Named to 2008 Al Lucas Hero Team for Community Efforts - New York Dragons
- Philadelphia's D'Orazio, San Jose's Smith and San Jose's Geathers Earn Conference Championship Honor - AFL I
- Columbus Destroyers Name Pat Sperduto Head Coach - Columbus Destroyers
- Mance Activated from IR - Philadelphia Soul
- Championship Chatter - AFL I
- McFadden Named to Al Lucas Hero Team for Community Service - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Gladiators WR Otis Amey Named to Al Lucas Hero Team - Cleveland Gladiators
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