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Rampage land All-Arena lineman Tim Martin

October 24, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


The rebuilding of the Grand Rapids Rampage offensive and defensive lines took a huge step forward Friday with the signing of All-Arena player Tim Martin.

Martin (6'5" 270 lbs., Tulsa) is known throughout the AFL for his uncanny pass rushing skills and his relentless style of play. He spent the past two seasons with the New Orleans VooDoo, where he earned All-Arena Second Team honors in 2004 after posting 18.5 tackles, two sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss, two blocked kicks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

"This is unquestionably the biggest free agent lineman we've ever signed in Grand Rapids," said Rampage head coach Sparky McEwen. "Players like Tim Martin help make the players around him better."

Last season, Martin played in nine games and registered 10.5 stops, including 3.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks. After starting his Arena League career in 2000 with the Oklahoma Wranglers, he quickly proved his worth by turning out his best statistical season in 2001, posting 5.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles in just seven games.

Martin is often double-teamed, leaving other linemen free to pressure the quarterback. Tom Briggs, the 2003 AFL Lineman of the Year, recorded 25.5 of his 40.0 career sacks during the four years he played along side Martin. By contrast, in Briggs' other six seasons, he posted just 14.5 sacks overall. Similarly, B.J. Cohen, a 2005 All-Arena First Team selection, posted more sacks (14.0) in his two seasons with Martin than any other two combined seasons of his career.

"Martin has spent his entire AFL career in the shadow of superstars like Tom Briggs and B.J. Cohen - even though his actions helped to make Briggs and Cohen dominant players," noted McEwen. "With the Rampage, Martin finally has the opportunity to step out of the shadows and become a Briggs or Cohen-type of dominant player."

"Coaches can plan games around players like Martin," McEwen added. "He gets results and consistently creates better opportunities to win ball games."

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 offices at 1.888.595.4878 or log on to RampageFootball.com.

The 20th season of Arena Football and fourth on NBC kicks off the weekend of Sunday, January 29, 2006. Tune in on WOOD-TV channel 8 in the Grand Rapids area all season long for the Rampage's drive to ArenaBowl XX.

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 offices at 1.888.595.4878 or log on to RampageFootball.com.

The 20th season of Arena Football and fourth on NBC kicks off the weekend of Sunday, January 29, 2006. Tune in on WOOD-TV channel 8 in the Grand Rapids area all season long for the Rampage's drive to ArenaBowl XX.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 24, 2005


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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