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Rampage gets more defensive

December 6, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


In an offseason filled with presents, the Rampage has just received another gift under their tree. Former AFL Defensive Player of the Year and five-year NFL veteran Johnnie Harris signed a two-year deal that will keep him with the Rampage through 2007.

"With Johnnie Harris and Marvin Taylor, we have two of the taller and more dominant defensive specialists in the AFL," noted Rampage head coach Sparky McEwen. "To earn the division title and a first-round bye we need to defend tall, physical receivers like Colorado's Damian Harrell and Nashville's Cory Fleming - Johnnie and Marvin are critical in accomplishing this."

Harris (6'02" 210 lbs., Mississippi State) began his Arena Football career in 1996 with the Tampa Bay Storm. During the season, Harris had six interceptions in just seven games - leading the Storm to an ArenaBowl XII title. In 1998, Harris led the AFL in interceptions (11) and recorded a then-league record 33 pass breakups en route to becoming named AFL Defense Player of the Year. After the 1998 season, Harris was signed by the Oakland Raiders.

During his five NFL seasons (Oakland Raiders 1999-01; New York Giants 2002-03), Harris played in 58 regular season games -- posting 156 tackles, 10 pass breakups, five forced fumbles and three interceptions. Harris also played in four playoff contests and had interceptions in the 2000 AFC Championship game against Baltimore and another in the infamous 2001 "tuck-rule" game at New England.

Last season, Harris returned to the AFL as defensive specialist for the Orlando Predators. In eight games with the Predators, Harris nabbed four interceptions and assisted in Orlando's playoff run that saw them one play away from advancing to ArenaBowl XIX. In a twist of irony, when the Predators signed Harris, they released Damon Mason who went on to set AFL records for tackles and pass breakups while playing nine games for the Rampage.

Rampage 2006 season tickets are now on sale. To reserve your season tickets for hard-hitting, high scoring, non-stop Rampage football on Centennial Wireless Field at Van Andel Arena, call the Rampage ticket offices at 1.888.595.4878 or log on to RampageFootball.com.

The 20th season of Arena Football and ninth of Rampage Football kicks off on Sunday, January 29, 2006 when the Rampage travel to take on the Destroyers at 3:00 p.m. Tune in on WOOD-TV channel 8 (NBC) in the Grand Rapids area all season long for the Rampage's drive to ArenaBowl XX.

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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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