Rush Signs Free Agent QB Philyaw
October 30, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
October 30, 2003 â The Chicago Rush entered into the Arena Football League's free agent market and signed coveted quarterback Raymond Philyaw to a two-year contract, the team announced today.
Philyaw (6-1, 200, Louisiana-Monroe) comes to Chicago after spending the first four seasons of his AFL career with the Albany and Indiana Firebirds, where he was one of the AFL's most consistent quarterbacks.
"We are excited to have Raymond in Chicago," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "He was one of the first guys we targeted when the list of available free agents came out last summer.
"If you look at the performance of all the AFL quarterbacks over the past few seasons, Philyaw ranks right up there with the very best. We think it should be an easy transition for him in Chicago and we look for his success in the league to continue with the Rush."
A mobile QB with a strong and consistent arm, Philyaw is a double threat to opposing defenses. During his tenure with the Firebirds, he completed 740 of 1,182 passes (63%) for 9,095 yards and 170 touchdowns while throwing just 15 interceptions. On the ground, Philyaw rushed for 190 yards and 15 touchdowns in his 49 games with the Firebirds.
"I am looking forward to playing for the Rush and for Mike Hohensee," said Philyaw. "He was a quarterback in this league and understands what it takes to be successful. I know he can help me continue to develop as a quarterback. Since he and Coach Dailey (Firebirds head coach, 1997-2003) are such good friends, the systems they run are very similar. And that should help my transition."
At Louisiana-Monroe (formerly Northeast Louisiana), Philyaw was a teammate of current Chicago Bears Pro-Bowl wide receiver Marty Booker and left campus with school records for touchdown passes in a career (52), most consecutive pass attempts without an interception (165) and most TD passes in a game (5). He finished his career ranked second on the Indians all-time passing chart with 7,061 yards.
The Rush opens the 2004 season at home Sunday, February 8, against Central Division-rival Grand Rapids. Fans needing information about 2004 Rush season tickets beginning as low as $64 can call the Rush at (877) Rush-Tix (787-4849) or visit the team's Web site, www.chicagorush.com.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League (1987-2008) message board...
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 30, 2003
- Firebirds Sign af2 Player of the Year - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Cobras Ink Ironman Standout Jarrick Hillery - Carolina Cobras
- Frazier to Tackle Rampage Defense - Grand Rapids Rampage
- Firebirds Sign Veteran Defensive Back - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Rush Signs Free Agent QB Philyaw - Chicago Rush
- Fury Sign a Handful to 2004 Roster - Detroit Fury
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
