Ordway To Remain In Chicago
August 15, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
August 15, 2007 - On the final day before players with expiring contracts can become unrestricted free agents, the Chicago Rush and defensive back Jonathan Ordway reached an agreement on a one-year contract extension, assuring that the league's top defense will return virtually intact for the 2008 season.
With Ordway's return, seven of the team's eight defensive starters are signed for 2008. Only defensive end E.J. Burt will become a free agent.
"Jonathan had a huge impact on both our defense and our special teams last year," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "He is a quality guy who is versatile enough to play multiple positions. He will only get better now that he has had a full year to learn our system."
"I feel great about coming back to Chicago next year," said Ordway. "I am excited about the guys who are around me and look forward to being able to continue to work with Coach Hohensee and Coach Schwartze (defensive backs coach). From a team standpoint we feel like we have some unfinished business. Individually, after a season of working with the coaching staff I know they will help me continue to take advantage of my abilities."
Ordway joined the Rush just three days prior to the 2007 season opener after being released by Grand Rapids in a salary cap move. He went on to claim a spot as a starting defensive back on the defense that ranked first in the AFL in scoring defense, giving up just 44.9 points per game, first in takeaways with 44, and first in opponent passer rating, holding opposing QBs to a rating of just 91.4.
Despite missing four games with a partially torn bicep suffered in the team's game at Dallas, Ordway finished the 2007 season with 39 tackles, three interceptions and 13 passes broken up. He also served as the team's main kick returner, returning 40 kicks for 812 yards and three touchdowns.
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