Moyer, Chatman Garner AFL Awards
Published on May 20, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
May 20, 2003 â Chicago Rush lineman John Moyer was named first-team all-Arena and offensive specialist Antonio Chatman was named second-team all-Arena, the AFL announced today. In addition, Chatman was named the AFL's Offensive Player of the Week for his performance Sunday in Chicago's 46-43 overtime win against Indiana.
Moyer, a candidate for the AFL's Lineman of the Year award, enjoyed the best season of his five-year career, finishing with career-highs in tackles (29.5), sacks (9) and interceptions (1). He led all Rush linemen in tackles, sacks, interceptions, quarterback hurries and fumbles forced. In addition, Moyer finished third in the AFL in sacks and fumbles forced.
Chatman's record setting year has earned him consideration as the league's Offensive Player of the Year. He finished the regular season with 123 catches for 1,608 yards and 29 touchdowns â all Rush team records. In addition, he returned 84 kicks for 2,062 yards and seven touchdowns. He became just the fourth player in AFL history with 25+ receiving touchdowns, 100+ receptions, 1,000+ receiving yards and 1,000+ return yards in the same season. He set a league record for all-purpose yards (3,678) and tied the AFL mark for kickoffs returned for touchdowns (7). Chatman finished the season ranked in the top five in the AFL in receptions (2nd), receiving yards (3rd) and scoring (5th).
Sunday, Chatman caught 13 passes for 190 yards and amassed 400 all-purpose yards, including a 58-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, as the Rush secured its third-consecutive AFL playoff berth.
"Moyer and Chatman both had fantastic seasons," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "I am proud that they are getting the recognition they deserve. Moyer is one of the best linemen in the league and Chatman is as explosive a threat as there is in Arena Football."
The Chicago Rush (8-8) will begin its drive to ArenaBowl XVII this Sunday, May 25, against the New York Dragons (8-8). Kickoff for Sunday's game at Nassau Coliseum is scheduled for 2 p.m. The game will be broadcast in Chicago on NBC 5.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 20, 2003
- 2003 AFL Season in Review - AFL I
- Wagner Named Ironman of the Week - San Jose SaberCats
- Rush and Hlavacek Earn All-Arena Honors - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Georgia Force Game Notes - Georgia Force
- Dallas Desperados Game Notes - Dallas Desperados
- Grand Rapids Rampage Game Notes - Grand Rapids Rampage
- AFL Attendance Up 15 Percent in 2003 - AFL I
- Rampage Announce 2003 Team Award Winners - Grand Rapids Rampage
- AFL Names All-Arena Teams - AFL I
- Desperados Host Force in First Round Playoff Game - Dallas Desperados
- Three SaberCats Earn First-Team All-League Honors - San Jose SaberCats
- L.A. Avengers place Jackson and Hopkins on All-Arena first team - Los Angeles Avengers
- Rattle the Rattlers Gladiator Fan Bus Set for Phoenix Departure on Sunday, May 25 - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Desperados Playoff Game Changes Date & Venue - Dallas Desperados
- Gladiators' Kicker Steve Videtich Named Second Team All Arena - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Desperados Trio Named to All-Arena Teams - Dallas Desperados
- AFL Names Week's Best - AFL I
- Desperados Briggs Named Defensive Player of the Week - Dallas Desperados
- Fury head to Grand Rapids for First Round of the ArenaBowl Playoffs - Detroit Fury
- Moyer, Chatman Garner AFL Awards - Chicago Rush
- Carpenter Garners All-Arena Honors - Buffalo Destroyers
- Rush Playoff Date Set - Chicago Rush
- AFL Playoff Schedule Announced - AFL I
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