Rattlers sign 2 more lineman
January 24, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Arizona Rattlers News Release
PHOENIX - The playoff guaranteed Arizona Rattlers added two more NFL veteran linemen today, signing OL CALVIN ARMSTRONG (6-7, 320, Washington State) and DL ANTTAJ HAWTHORNE (6-3, 310, Wisconsin), Head Coach Kevin Guy announced today.
Armstrong, a sixth round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2005, is an offensive lineman who has played primarily at the tackle position. The former two-time All-Pac 10 selection made the Eagles 53 man roster after the 2005 training camp, serving as a backup to starter John Runyan. After a brief stint on the practice squad of the Green Bay Packers in 2006, Armstrong spent the entire 2007 offseason and training camp with the Washington Redskins. He was released from the team's practice squad in November.
Hawthorne, a sixth-round pick of the Oakland Raiders in 2005, is a defensive lineman who has primarily played the defensive tackle position. He played in two games his rookie season before being allocated to the Frankfurt Galaxy of the now-defunct NFL Europe. In Frankfurt, Hawthorne recorded 28 tackles and two sacks, and was a key component of a top-ranked Galaxy defense that only allowed an average of rushing yards per game en route to a World Bowl title. Hawthorne was a four-year starter on the defensive line at Wisconsin, earning third-team All-American and consensus All-Big Ten honors his senior year. In all, Hawthorne won conference honors three times in his career.
The team waived DB William Fields and released DT Bernard Riley in order to make room for the new additions.
The 2008 Arizona Rattlers kickoff their 17th season in March, and have guaranteed their season ticket holders a trip to the playoffs. Season tickets, group tickets and premium single game tickets can be purchased by calling 602-379-2333.
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