Rush signs former Illini star Marques Sullivan
October 25, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
The ArenaBowl XX champion Chicago Rush has signed former Illinois All-America offensive lineman Marques Sullivan to a one-year contract, the team announced today.
"Marques Sullivan is a tremendous talent who comes to us with great experience," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "We think he is going to have a positive effect on our pass protection and are looking forward to seeing him on the field."
"It is an honor to play for a championship team," said Sullivan. "I am excited to keep pursuing my dream of playing football, and to be able to do so while playing at home and for a great organization like the Rush is fantastic. It also allows me to continue to oversee my business (as owner of the Chicago Rockstars of the ABA), which was important for me."
Sullivan (6-5, 320, Illinois), a fifth-round draft choice of the Buffalo Bills in 2001, spent three seasons playing tackle in Buffalo (2001-2003), before splitting the 2004 season between the NY Giants and New England Patriots. In 2002, he started all 16 games for the Bills at right guard, a season in which QB Drew Bledsoe set 10 team passing records, running back Travis Henry rushed for 1,438 yards and WR Eric Moulds set a franchise record for receptions with 100.
Raised in Chicago, Sullivan attended Fenwick High School, where, he was rated as one of the top 100 football prospects - and one of the top five linemen - in the country. He was named all-state by the Chicago Sun-Times and the Champaign-Urbana News Gazette, and a high school All-American by Parade Magazine.
In college, Sullivan was the anchor of the Illini offensive line, starting 45 consecutive games during his career (1997-2000). He was voted second team All-Big Ten in both 1999 and 2000. He was named to the Playboy preseason All-American squad in the summer of 2000, and voted third team All-America by the Football Writers Association after his senior season.
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