Rampage Sign All-Time Leading Rusher

Published on December 4, 2002 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


Grand Rapids, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Rampage of the Arena Football League announced today the signing of fullback/linebacker Chris Ryan, the team's all-time leading rusher, and lineman Madison Johnson. Both players were signed to one-year deals.

Ryan (6-2, 300, Clark-Atlanta) returns for his fourth season with the Rampage. Since signing with Grand Rapids in 2000 as a free agent, Ryan has led the Rampage in rushing attempts, yards and touchdowns every season. Last year, Ryan had his finest season as a professional, breaking his own team records in attempts (49), yards (131) and touchdowns (12 - T-1st in AFL). He also added a career-high 25 tackles, six quarterback hurries and a sack on defense. For his efforts, Ryan received the Rampage Coaches' Award, which honors a player for his performance both on and off the field. In three seasons with the Rampage, Ryan has amassed 116 rushing attempts for 369 yards and 32 touchdowns, all of which are team records.

"Chris is one of the best red-zone backs in the AFL and a free agent we had hoped to sign," said Michael Trigg, Rampage head coach and director of football operations. "We are extremely excited to have our version of the "Bus" back on board."

Johnson (6-2, 276, Tuskegee) returns for his second season with the Rampage. Selected by the Rampage in the second round of the 2001 AFL Dispersal Draft, Johnson played in seven games for Grand Rapids last season, contributing to a Rampage line that gave up only five sacks in 14 games (2nd best in AFL). In his four AFL seasons, the former Tuskegee standout has recorded 22 tackles and forced two fumbles.

"Madison gives us a solid center to compliment Joe Wylie," Trigg said. "He keeps everyone loose with his personality and is by far one of the most popular players on the team. We expect him to become a starter this season based on his experience from last year."

After opening the 2003 season with back-to-back road contests, the Rampage kick off their home schedule with a 3 p.m. NBC affair against the New York Dragons on Sunday, Feb. 16. Full season and mini-plan ticket packages are currently available by calling the Rampage office at 1-888-595-4878.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from December 4, 2002


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