Rampage sign Philyaw

October 27, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


The Grand Rapids Rampage today announced the signing of free-agent quarterback Raymond Philyaw - one of the Arena Football League's premier quarterbacks. The contract is for two years - no financial terms were disclosed.

Philyaw (6'01" 200 lbs., Northeast Louisiana) spent the previous two seasons with the Chicago Rush where he lead the team to the conference finals each year. "By adding players the caliber of Raymond Philyaw we instantly become a playoff contender," said Rampage head coach Sparky McEwen. "He's a winner who has lead the Rush to the conference finals the last two seasons. Playoffs are expected from players like Raymond Philyaw and we are rebuilding this team with those types of players to bring another ArenaBowl championship to the city of Grand Rapids."

During his career, Philyaw's completion percentage (63.9) and passer rating (116.1)rank fourth-best in league history. Philyaw has passed for 287 touchdown passes to just 32 interceptions in 78 career games played. His touchdown-to-interception ratio (9.03) is the best in AFL history.

Philyaw has been particularly effective against the Rampage. In ten career games against Grand Rapids, he has thrown 50 touchdowns to just three interceptions. "I remember all the shoot outs when I was in Indiana and I'm excited to be here to help turn this franchise around," said Philyaw. "Sparky is one of the top offensive minds in the game and we are going to have a lot of fun and score lots of points with this team."

Prior to his time in the Windy City, Philyaw played for the Indiana Firebirds. His first career start came against the Rampage in 2001. During that season, he completed 68.5% of his passes for 68 TDs to just three interceptions; earning the highest rating in AFL history(131.79).



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 27, 2005


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