SaberCats Sign Coleman and Roe; Re-sign Wagner, Reed and Cobbs
December 11, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. (December 11, 2002) - Receiver Fred Coleman, a former 6th round draft pick of the NFL's Buffalo Bills, and James Roe each signed free agent contracts to play with the World Champion San Jose SaberCats in 2003, announced head coach Darren Arbet. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.
Coleman (6-1, 194) was originally selected by the Bills in the 6th round (160th overall) of the 1998 NFL draft. He didn't play an NFL game until 2001 when he suited up with the New England Patriots. The Tyler, Tex., native had a pair of receptions that season, including a 46-yard touchdown catch.
A former honorable mention all-Pac 10 Conference pick while at the University of Washington, Coleman also played in the XFL with the Chicago Enforcers.
Roe (6-2, 196) will be entering his fourth season with the SaberCats after signing his free agent deal. He played just four games during an injury plagued 2002 season making 14 catches for 228 yards and four touchdowns.
The Norfolk State University product had a breakout season in 2001 when he led the SaberCats in receptions, receiving yards, touchdown catches and scoring. He currently ranks 5th on the team's all-time touchdown reception list and 7th in receptions, receiving yards, scoring and touchdowns.
The SaberCats also announced the re-signing of WR/DB Barry Wagner, OL/DL Chuck Reed and DS Anthony Cobbs.
The 2003 season marks the historical debut of the AFL on NBC. The network will broadcast up to four AFL games on a regional basis each regular-season Sunday (except March 30) plus all playoff games for a possible total of 70 contests.
The SaberCats begin defense of their World Championship in February. Season tickets for all eight regular season games played in HP Pavilion at San Jose are on sale and can be purchased by calling a ticket representative at (408) 573-5577.
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