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Rampage QB Chad Salisbury Retires

August 24, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS - The Rampage's primary starting quarterback over the last two seasons and third most prolific passer in team history announced his retirement today. Chad Salisbury (Perryopolis, Pa.), an eight-year veteran of the Arena Football League, spent time with four different teams before making a home and a name for himself in Grand Rapids.

Salisbury leaves the Rampage in third place in every major team passing category including completions (501), passing yards (5,457) and passing touchdowns (107). His nine wins as a starter for Grand Rapids also fall behind only Craig Kusick (13 wins from 1999-2000) and Clint Dolezel (30 wins from 2001-03). Over the last two seasons, the Rampage have posted a 9-13 record with Salisbury as their starting quarterback while going 0-10 with other signal callers at the helm.

"Chad's playing career may be over but he will always remain a member of the Rampage family," said Rampage General Manager Scott Woodruff. "We will always be grateful for Chad's leadership and his commitment to the community. Although we are sorry to see him leave the game, we are excited for Chad and his family as they move into a new chapter in their lives."

Salisbury began his AFL career with the New England Sea Wolves in 2000, posting a 5-2 record as a rookie. He also spent time with the Toronto Phantoms (2001-02), the Chicago Rush (2003-04), and the Columbus Destroyers (2005) before arriving in Grand Rapids in 2006. After taking over the starting role for the Rampage early that season, Salisbury posted career numbers and was voted as the team's most valuable player. Overall, he accumulated over 1,015 completions, 11,981 passing yards and 215 passing touchdowns over his career.

"It was always my dream to play professional football," said Salisbury. "There aren't many people who can say that they got to go to work for eight years doing something they loved. I will always be grateful to the AFL for giving me that chance."

The University of Buffalo product made a name for himself in the West Michigan community off the turf as well. Along with his wife and daughter, Salisbury moved to West Michigan in the summer of 2006 and became actively involved with several Rampage community programs such as the Rampage Youth Football Program presented by Wendy's. He became the head coach for Byron Center High School's freshman football team, and this year will serve as the school's assistant athletic director and as an assistant coach for its varsity squad. Recently, the AFL named Salisbury to its Al Lucas Hero Team for his contributions to his community and the game of Arena Football.

"Arena Football took me all over the place, but I was fortunate to land in Grand Rapids with the Rampage," said Salisbury. "It wasn't hard to fall in love with West Michigan. My wife, daughter and I are very excited to start the next phase of our lives here."

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The Grand Rapids Rampage are celebrating their 11th season in the Arena Football League. The Rampage, ArenaBowl XV champions, compete in the league's American Conference, and play their games at Centennial Wireless Field in Van Andel Arena.

The Arena Football League, in its 22nd season, was dubbed the fifth major-league sport by ESPN the Magazine in 2004. The league consists of 19 teams split into two conferences and four divisions.

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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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