Rush Adds AFL Veteran Hammel as Backup Qb for Playoffs
August 7, 2010 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Chicago Rush News Release
The Chicago Rush has signed AFL veteran quarterback Todd Hammel to serve as the team's backup quarterback for the playoffs, the team announced today. The Rush has been without a backup since starting QB Russ Michna suffered a broken rib in the first half of the team's July 17 game vs. Dallas and backup J.J. Raterink assumed the starting role.
The 43-year-old Hammel (6-1, 215, Stephen F. Austin) spent 15 seasons in the AFL - including one year with the Rush in 2005 - before retiring after the 2006 season. After spending two years away from the game, Hammel returned to Arena Football in 2009, playing in eight games for the then af2 Milwaukee Iron. He also served as the backup QB for the Jacksonville Sharks for one game earlier this season.
During his one year with the Rush, Hammel served as the backup to Raymond Philyaw, playing in six gmaes, including going 2-0 in two starts, and completing 55 of 76 passes for 754 yards and 15 touchdowns.
For his career, Hammel has played in 153 career games and has completed 2,164 of 3,833 passes for 27,097 yards and 423 touchdowns.
The Chicago Rush opens the 2010 Arena Football League playoffs tonight in Milwaukee with a National Conference semifinal game against the Milwaukee Iron. Kickoff for the game at Milwaukee's U.S. Cellular Arena is set for 7 p.m. with the winner advancing to the National Conference Finals at Spokane next Thursday, August 12.
The Rush and Iron split their 2010 season series, with the Iron winning 71-48 on May 7 in Milwaukee and the Rush evening the series with a 63-56 win June 19 at Allstate Arena.
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Arena Football League Stories from August 7, 2010
- Tampa Bay Storm Take Out the Tulsa Talons, 68-38 - Tampa Bay Storm
- Rush Adds AFL Veteran Hammel as Backup Qb for Playoffs - Chicago Rush
- Shock defeat Rattlers 57-49 - Spokane Shock
- Rattlers season ends with crushing playoff loss to Spokane - Arizona Rattlers
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