Rush names 2004 team award winners
June 15, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
Chicago Rush quarterback Raymond Philyaw, lineman John Moyer, WR/LB Lindsay Fleshman, WR/LB Etu Molden and FB/LB Bob McMillen were named winners of the 2004 Rush team awards today at the team's season-ending banquet.
Philyaw was voted the team's MVP; Moyer was voted Lineman of the Year for the third-consecutive season and Special Teams Player of the Year; Fleshman was voted Ironman of the Year for a second-consecutive season; and Molden was named the team's Rookie of the Year. In addition, McMillen was named the winner of the team's Walter Payton Award for community service.
After signing as a free agent in October, Philyaw became an integral part of the Rush. He helped lead the team to the Central Division title and AFL semifinals, connecting on 247 of 389 passes for 3,053 yards and 52 touchdowns, while only throwing four interceptions. In addition, Philyaw rushed for 57 yards and a career-high 11 touchdowns.
Moyer, named AFL Lineman of the Year as well as First Team All-Arena and All-Ironman, led the AFL with 10 sacks and also recorded a career-high 31 tackles, blocked four kicks, recovered three fumbles and intercepted a pass. With his 10 sacks this season, Moyer increased his career total to 28, moving him into ninth place on the AFL's all-time sack list.
Fleshman continued his solid two-way play for the Rush in 2004. Fleshman finished the season with 44 catches for 514 yards and eight touchdowns. On defense, he recorded 30.5 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a team-high three interceptions.
Molden, named to the AFL's All-Rookie team, was Chicago's leading receiver, catching 101 passes for 1,280 yards and scoring 32 touchdowns. Molden led all rookies in receptions and receiving yards, and finished the season ranked eighth in the AFL in receptions, receiving yards and scoring (198 points). He also contributed on defense, recording 25.5 tackles and two interceptions.
McMillen earned the Walter Payton Award for his outstanding work in the Chicagoland community. From organizing Chicago's free Mt. Prospect football camp to reading to students at several Chicagoland area schools, McMillen embodies the team's community relations' efforts and the spirit of Walter Payton.
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