Preds release Hamilton
October 10, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 10, 2006) - In a move that was expected, the Orlando Predators released quarterback JOE HAMILTON on Tuesday, freeing the veteran to negotiate with any Arena Football League team.
"We wanted to give Joe as much time as possible to negotiate a new contract with the team of his choosing," Predators head coach JAY GRUDEN said. "He gave us three great seasons and we wanted to give him that option."
The move to release Hamilton came after the Predators signed free agent quarterback SHANE STAFFORD to a two-year contract. One of this year's most highly coveted free agents, Stafford has thrown for more than 9,300 yards and 169 touchdowns for the Tampa Bay Storm in the last two seasons. With 15,672 yards and 289 touchdown passes in five seasons, Stafford is rapidly moving up the AFL career list in practically every passing category.
Gruden added that salary cap considerations, along with Hamilton's loyalty to the team, factored in the decision not to trade Hamilton--who had one year remaining on his Predators' contract. "Because of salary cap issues, we would never have been able to get equal value for Joe," Gruden said. "But more importantly, I wanted Joe to be able to play wherever he wanted to. Joe Hamilton is a great player and a great person. We certainly want to thank him for his contributions to the Orlando Predators and wish him well as he continues his career."
Hamilton leaves the Predators as Orlando's all-time leader in passing attempts (1,215), completions (806), yards (9,830) and touchdown passes (181). All told, he holds or shares close to two dozen career, single season, single game, playoff and rookie Orlando Predators passing records. Those records included being the team's career (66.3%) and single season (67%) leader in completion percentage.
Last year, Hamilton threw for 3,677 yards and 67 touchdowns in 15 games in leading Orlando to its first Southern Division championship since 2002. In three seasons as the Predators starter, Hamilton was 32-16 as a starter and led the team to three consecutive playoff berths, including a National Conference championship in 2006 and a spot in ArenaBowl XX.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 10, 2006
- Gladiators sign four to kick off 2007 roster - Las Vegas Gladiators
- SaberCats sign four - San Jose SaberCats
- Rattlers Sign Two Former Sun Devil Standouts - Arizona Rattlers
- Crush sign three free agents - Chicago Rush
- Blaze sign wide receiver Aaron Boone - Utah Blaze
- VooDoo add DE Henry Bryant and WR Anthony Hines - New Orleans VooDoo
- Preds release Hamilton - Orlando Predators
- Rush adds three to 2007 roster - Chicago Rush
- Desperados to hold open tryouts - Dallas Desperados
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