Rush FB/LB Bob McMillen named one of AFL's 20 greatest players
January 18, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
Chicago Rush FB/LB Bob McMillen was named one of the Arena Football League's 20 greatest players, the AFL announced today. McMillen is included in a list of the game's biggest stars that was compiled by the league's historical committee as part of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the AFL.
Former Albany and Indiana Firebird offensive specialist "Touchdown" Eddie Brown was named as the league's greatest player of all-time and former Rush lineman James Baron also was named to the squad.
"With all the great players who have played Arena Football over the past 20 years, I am honored to be included in this list," said McMillen. "I am humbled to have my name mentioned in the same breath as Eddie Brown, Hunkie Cooper, Barry Wagner and the other players on this list."
"I couldn't be happier for Bob and his family. He definitely deserves the honor" said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee, who has either played against or coached 11 of the 20 men on the list. "It is a privilege to coach him and to watch him play in the city in which he grew up. I was fortunate to inherit such a great player when Bob signed with the Rush four years ago. He has made me a better coach while he has been here."
Entering his 12th season in the AFL, and fourth with the Rush, the Naperville native has rushed for 1,328 yards in his career and is just 55 yards shy of passing Les Barley (1,382) for the AFL's all-time rushing record.
McMillen has played in 127 career regular season games with Arizona (1995-2000), San Jose (2001-2002) and Chicago (2003 - present), winning ArenaBowl championships in Arizona (1997) and San Jose (2002).
In addition to his career rushing numbers, McMillen is the only player in AFL history to rush for more than 100 yards in seven-consecutive seasons (1999-2005).
Some facts about McMillen:
Ranks second in AFL history in rushing (1,328 yards), third in rushing touchdowns (74) and fourth in rushing attempts (412).
Holds Rush team records (game, season & career) for rushing attempts, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.
Has caught 62 passes for 691 yards and nine touchdowns; recorded 188 tackles, 13.5 sacks and five interceptions in his career.
Called "The toughest man in football" by the 2005 AFL preview magazine.
Has played with seven of the other 19 men on the list.
Was a three-time all-America selection in football at Illinois Benedictine College in Lisle, Ill.
The AFL's 20 Greatest Players
Eddie Brown, OS
Barry Wagner, WR/DB*
George LaFrance, OS
Jay Gruden, QB
Hunkie Cooper, WR/LB
James Baron, OL/DL*
Sylvester Bembery, OL/DL
Sherdrick Bonner, QB*
Stevie Thomas, WR/LB
Dwayne Dixon, WR/LB
Aaron Garcia, QB*
Kurt Warner, QB
Sam Hernandez, OL/DL*
Cory Fleming, WR/LB*
Greg Hopkins, WR/LB*
Alvin Rettig, FB/LB
Randy Gatewood, WR/DB*
Gary Mullen, WR/DB
John Corker, OL/DL
Bob McMillen, FB/LB*
* active
The Rush and the AFL will celebrate 20 seasons of fan-friendly football when Chicago opens the 2006 season Sunday, January 29, in Denver against John Elway's defending-champion Colorado Crush. The Rush home opener is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 3, against the New York Dragons. Fans interested in purchasing season or group tickets for 2006 can call the Rush at (877) RUSH-TIX or visit the team's Web site, www.chicagorush.com.
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