Rush signs two of AFL's all-time greats
October 30, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
The Chicago Rush announced today it has signed two of the greatest players in Arena Football League history - quarterback Sherdrick (pronounced Cedric) Bonner and wide receiver Damian Harrell- thus kicking off the AFL's free-agent signing period with a bang.
The two newest members of the Rush have combined to account for more than 1,000 touchdowns in their AFL careers.
"We truly feel fortunate that two future AFL Hall of Famers have decided that they want to play in Chicago," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "With the league's top defense already coming back nearly intact, the addition of Damian and Sherdrick should give us a great shot at returning to the ArenaBowl."
Bonner (6-4, 245, Cal-State Northridge) signed a two-year deal after spending his entire 15-year career as the quarterback for the Arizona Rattlers. Voted No. 8 on the AFL's 20 Greatest Players of All-Time list, Bonner led his teams to five ArenaBowls (1994, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2004) during his tenure in the desert, winning twice. He has been named to the league's All-Arena team five times, and currently ranks second in AFL history in touchdown passes (829) and third in passing attempts (5,268), completions (3,261) and yards (40,979).
In 2007, a 38-year-old Bonner enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career, completing 316 of 498 passes (63.5%) for a career-high 4,036 yards and 83 touchdowns, while only throwing 13 interceptions.
"I feel there is a great opportunity in Chicago for me to come and play for a great team," said Bonner. "The Rush has a great head coach, a solid coaching staff and fine organization behind the team. As tough as it was for me to leave Arizona, I'm just as excited to come to Chicago and continue my learning process in the game."
Arguably the league's greatest receiver, Harrell (6-2, 182, Florida State) enters the 2008 season ranked second in AFL history in touchdown receptions (295), third in receiving yards (11,881) and fourth in receptions (893). His three-year contract with the Rush helps Chicago offset the loss of All-Arena receiver Bobby Sippio to the Kansas City Chiefs, and virtually assures that Harrell will break all of the league's career receiving records while wearing Rush blue.
"There are so many reasons to come play for the Rush," said Harrell. "I am excited about coming to a great organization like Chicago and finally getting back together with Coach Hohensee is definitely a plus. Besides, I always have loved playing in Chicago. The fans are among the best in the league, and although they have been hard on me in the past, they always treated me with respect."
A two-time AFL Offensive Player of the Year (2005, 2006), Harrell began his AFL career as a member of the New England Sea Wolves, playing for Hohensee in 1999 and 2000. After his time in New England and two seasons in Toronto, his career blossomed in 2003 when he joined John Elway's Colorado Crush. In his five seasons in Colorado, Harrell was named to the league's All-Arena team four times; was twice named the AFL's Offensive Player of the Year; set AFL single season records for touchdowns (61) and scoring (366); set an AFL record with at least one touchdown reception in 78-consecutive games; and led his team to the ArenaBowl XIX title in 2005.
Last season, Harrell caught 132 passes for 1,547 yards and 47 touchdowns while playing in all 16 games for the Crush.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 30, 2007
- SaberCats ink free agent Frank Carter - San Jose SaberCats
- Avengers sign AFL all-purpose leader Timon Marshall - Los Angeles Avengers
- Rattlers guarantee season ticket holders the playoffsâ¦or their money back - Arizona Rattlers
- AFL free agency frenzy begins - AFL I
- Storm sign wide receiver Tyrone Timmons - Tampa Bay Storm
- Rush signs two of AFL's all-time greats - Chicago Rush
- Columbus Destroyers Sign Free Agent Wide Receiver Derek Lee - Columbus Destroyers
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