Rush signs QB D'Orazio to contract extension through 2009
February 26, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
The Chicago Rush has signed quarterback Matt D'Orazio to a two-year contract extension through the 2009 season, the team announced today. D'Orazio, who led the Rush to the ArenaBowl title last June, was set to become a free agent after the 2007 season.
"I am excited to know Matt is going to be with us for two more years," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "He deserves this new deal. He went unappreciated in the AFL for too long and now it is his time to shine. Good things should happen for good people and he is definitely one of the good ones."
In his first season with the Rush, D'Orazio enjoyed a career year, completing 305 of 443 passes for 3,546 yards and 63 touchdowns, while throwing just five interceptions. He played his best football of the season down the stretch, when he led the team to four-consecutive playoff wins culminating in a 69-61 victory over Orlando in ArenaBowl XX last June. D'Orazio passed for six touchdowns and rushed for two more in the title game, earning Offensive Player of the Game honors for his efforts.
"I feel I am in a great situation in Chicago and am looking forward to staying here for the next several years," said D'Orazio. "The people who I work with at every level of the Rush organization are top notch, and that is something that is very important to me. I know everyone throughout the organization will work hard this year to help us make another run at a title."
"It always has been our organization's philosophy to identify the players who would make up the core of our team and sign them to long-term deals," said Rush president/general manager Mike Polisky. "Matt proved last year that he is one of the top young quarterbacks in the AFL and we were not about to take the chance of losing him as a free agent after this season. Now that Matt knows he will be in Chicago, we look forward to watching him have another great year, which hopefully will end in another ArenaBowl title."
The Rush opens its season March 4 at Kansas City on ESPN on ABC at 11:30 a.m. The team's home opener at Allstate Arena is set for 7 p.m. Friday, March 9, against San Jose. Fans wishing to purchase tickets to the San Jose game, or any one of Chicago's eight home games, may order by calling Ticketmaster at (312) 559-1212, or by visiting the Ticketmaster Web site at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets also may be purchased in person at any Ticketmaster outlet or the Allstate Arena box office. Fans interested in season or group tickets can call the Rush at (877) RUSH-TIX or visit the team's Web site, www.chicagorush.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 26, 2007
- Dragons announce 2007 roster - New York Dragons
- Storm Announce 2007 Roster - Tampa Bay Storm
- Rattlers announce 2007 opening day roster - Arizona Rattlers
- Rampage Set Roster for Historic 10th Anniversary Season - Grand Rapids Rampage
- VooDoo set roster for 2007 - New Orleans VooDoo
- Crush make final roster moves - Colorado Crush
- Saturday's game to be broadcast on KJZZ - Utah Blaze
- Desperados finalize 2007 roster - Dallas Desperados
- Gladiators confirm 2007 roster - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Avengers trim roster below regular-season limit - Los Angeles Avengers
- Wranglers set roster for 2007 - Austin Wranglers
- Carmen Rasmusen to perform National Anthem - Utah Blaze
- Preds finalize roster for opening week - Orlando Predators
- Philadelphia Soul announce final roster for 2007 - Philadelphia Soul
- Brigade sets 2007 opening day roster - Kansas City Brigade
- Russell Athletic signs multi-year title sponsorship with ESPN for Arena Football - AFL I
- Rush signs QB D'Orazio to contract extension through 2009 - Chicago Rush
- Former SaberCat QB Ron Lopez Faces Life-Threatening Opponent - OSC Original by John Hahn
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.
