Rush sign electrifying QB Michael Bishop
Published on November 1, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
November 1, 2005 - The Chicago Rush has signed free agent quarterback Michael Bishop, one of the Arena Football League's most-explosive players, to a two-year contract, the team announced today.
Bishop (6-2, 215, Kansas State) currently is playing for the CFL's Toronto Argonauts and officially will join the Rush once his CFL season concludes.
A double threat as both a passer and a runner, Bishop threw for 3,355 yards and 57 touchdowns, and rushed for an AFL single-season record 459 yards and 17 touchdowns last season with the Grand Rapids Rampage.
"Michael Bishop is one of the best athletes in the AFL and we think he can come here and help us win some games - whether it be with his arm or his legs," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "Last year he showed some flashes of greatness as a passer, and we all know that he already is the most-dangerous runner in the league. We are going to give him the opportunity to come to camp and compete for the starting job."
"I am excited to be coming to Chicago," said Bishop. "I am very impressed with the entire organization - from the ownership to the front office and of course, the coaching staff. I am looking forward to working with Coach Hohensee to continue to refine my skills as a quarterback and to bring an ArenaBowl title to Chicago."
As a two-year starter at Kansas State, Bishop led the Wildcats to a 22-3 record and set K-State records for passing touchdowns (36), rushing touchdowns (23) and total touchdowns (59). An All-America selection and Davey O'Brien Award winner for the nation's top division I-A quarterback in 1998, Bishop finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting to Ricky Williams before being selected by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft. After spending two seasons in New England (1999-2000), Bishop played one season in NFL Europe (2001) and has spent the past four seasons (2002-2005) playing with the CFL's Toronto Argonauts.
The Rush roster now includes 33 players. Teams are allowed to bring 37 players to training camp in January, but must cut down to 24 by opening day.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from November 1, 2005
- The OSC interview: Philadelphia Soul Quarterback Matt Sauk - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Crush name Gilham director of communications - Colorado Crush
- Rush sign electrifying QB Michael Bishop - Chicago Rush
- Former Indianapolis Colt signs with Grand Rapids - Grand Rapids Rampage
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