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Mountain Lions Bring in Two Former NFL Quarterbacks

September 5, 2011 - United Football League (UFL 1)
Sacramento Mountain Lions News Release


Sacramento, CA - MONDAY, September 5, 2011 - The Sacramento Mountain Lions, of the United Football League, had two new quarterbacks on the practice field at Sacramento City College on Monday.

Former Atlanta Falcon D.J. SHOCKLEY and former Cincinnati Bengal JORDAN PALMER were with the team for Monday's practices. Shockley was in uniform and practicing while Palmer hasn't passed his physical yet so he was not in uniform. Palmer has not yet officially signed with the team but he is expected to be in uniform for Tuesday morning's practice at Natomas High (8:15 to 10:30 a.m.). All practices are open to media and fans.

Shockley, 28, was a star at the University of Georgia and he was with the Atlanta Falcons from 2006-10. He finished third for the Associated Press Player of the Year in 2005 while a senior at Georgia, finishing behind only REGGIE BUSH and VINCE YOUNG.

Shockley played in the preseason for Atlanta from 2006-09 but didn't see regular-season action. Shockley played in the UFL in 2010 for the Omaha Nighthawks, backing up starting quarterback JEFF GARCIA.

"It went really well," said Shockley about his first practice with head coach DENNIS GREEN and the Mountain Lions. "It was a great experience in Atlanta . . . and now this (being with the Mountain Lions) is a good opportunity to come out here and play well and show people what I can do."

Palmer, 27, was a sixth-round pick by the Washington Redskins in 2007 and he was with the Bengals from 2008 through last week. The Bengals waived him on Aug. 27.

On Nov. 21 of 2010, Jordan and his older brother CARSON PALMER became the first pair of brothers in NFL history to play in the same game for the same team.

Palmer worked out with Mountain Lions offensive coordinator MIKE KRUCZEK and receiver KENNY MOORE following Monday morning's practice.

"They (the Bengals) decided to go in a different direction and I'm coming here to try to win the (starting) job and show the other teams that I can perform," said Palmer. "The talent level (in the UFL) is very similar to the NFL, a lot of talented and experienced guys out here."

RYAN COLBURN, the Mountain Lions No. 1 draft pick in May's UFL Draft this year, has been the only quarterback that has been in town for the entire training camp. Other quarterbacks in camp are TREVOR HARRIS (Edinboro University) and TOMMY GRADY (University of Oklahoma and the University of Utah). Grady has not been practicing due to an injury. ARKELON HALL (University of Memphis) and ADAM TAFRALIS (San Jose State) were with the team earlier in training camp.

"Ryan is our No. 1 (quarterback) right now and we have a good competition . . . guys have an opportunity," Green said.

Shockley understands that Colburn has an advantage, having been here for all of training camp.

"Yes (it does give Colburn an advantage) but you can't think of it like that," Shockley said. "You have to go out there and do what you can."

The Mountain Lions will host a Season Kickoff Party on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 at Sacramento State's Hornet Stadium. This event will run from 6-9 p.m. with free admission and parking.

The team will practice from 6:30-8 p.m. and Green will also address the fans near the beginning of practice. The Mountain Lions will sign autographs following the practice.

The Lady Lions will be mingling with fans, posing for photos and putting on a performance. Mojo, the Mountain Lions mascot, will be on hand for photographs and autographs as well. Mountain Lions season-ticket holders will be able to check out their seat locations. The entire Mountain Lions front office staff will be on hand and fans will be able to purchase season tickets and individual tickets at this event. Team merchandise will be on sale as well.

The Mountain Lions will open the 2011 season at home (at Hornet Stadium) against the Las Vegas Locos on Sept. 17. Las Vegas won the UFL championship in 2009 and 2010 under head coach JIM FASSEL. Sacramento went 4-4 in 2010 and averaged about 18,250 fans for the home games.

Season tickets and individual tickets are on sale now at www.sacmountainlions.com or by phone at (916-383-5466).



United Football League Stories from September 5, 2011


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.

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