Orlando Predators Standout Wide Receiver Bobby Sippio Returns for 2011 Season
February 11, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO - The Orlando Predators have been assigned WR BOBBY SIPPIO by the Arena Football League office, the team announced today. Sippio returns to the Predators following his stellar performance in 2010, when he joined the team midway through the season and had an immediate impact. Sippio finished the season with 51 receptions for 757 yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging 13.1 yards per catch and 76.3 yards per game.
"Bobby re-signing is another major step toward our goal of winning a championship. Bobby's body of work in the AFL speaks for itself. His passion to play in his hometown has always been a dream for him," said Predators Head Coach, Pat O'Hara.
"Growing up in Kissimmee, I've always wanted to play for the Preds and last season was great, we were one point shy of the Arena Bowl," said Sippio. "I know this year, in my hometown, we're going to go all the way."
Sippio, (6'3, 215, Western Kentucky) began his pro career in 2002 with the af2's Peoria Pirates. In 2003 he moved to the Greensboro Prowlers and won the af2 Ironman of the Year.
Sippio's first season in the AFL came in 2004 with the Dallas Desperados. In 15 games, he caught 75 passes and a staggering 32 touchdowns. In 2005, he caught 61 passes for 22 touchdowns and was a significant contributor on defense, intercepting two passes and registering a career high 31.5 tackles.
After beginning the 2006 season with the Tampa Bay Storm, he was signed off waivers by the Chicago Rush. Sippio was instrumental in the Rush's ArenaBowl XX Championship. In 2007 Sippio had a career year, catching 125 passes for 1,742 yards and 53 touchdowns, all resulting in career highs.
Following his breakout season, Sippio was signed in 2007 by the Kansas City Chiefs. Heavily featured on HBO's series Hard Knocks as they chronicled the Chiefs training camp that season, he spent the entire 2007 NFL season with Kansas City, going between the active and practice squad rosters. He returned to the Chiefs for their 2008 training camp, but was cut shortly after.
2009 saw Sippio return to the indoor game, joining the Chicago Slaughter of the Continental Indoor Football League. The team went undefeated and won the CIFL championship. In the fall, he signed with the UFL's California Redwoods, but was released, allowing him to sign with the NFL's Detroit Lions. After being cut by the Lions, Sippio finally returned to his Central Florida roots and signed with the UFL's Florida Tuskers and finally with the Predators in 2010.
A Central Florida native Sippio grew up in nearby Kissimmee, FL and attended football powerhouse Osceola High School where in addition to excelling at football for the Kowboys, he also played basketball.
Orlando's Arena Football League franchise since 1991, the Orlando Predators are celebrating 20 Wild Years! in the AFL! In that time, the Predators have advanced to the AFL Playoffs a league-leading 18 consecutive seasons, appeared in the Arena Bowl a league-leading seven times, winning AFL Championships in 1998 and 2000. Proudly committed to their Orlando fans, the Predators are the only sports team in the new Amway Center that refused to raise ticket prices with season tickets starting at only $45.00 and single game tickets as low as $5.00. For more ticket information, log on to www.OrlandoPredators.com or call 407-648-4444.
Arena Football League Stories from February 11, 2011
- Orlando Predators Standout Wide Receiver Bobby Sippio Returns for 2011 Season - Orlando Predators
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