Talons\' Allner Turns In His Wings

Published on October 1, 2004 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Tulsa Talons News Release


TULSA, Okla. – With injuries healing, 26-year-old Mitch Allner announces his retirement from the af2 today, after four years with the league. When the Talons' Offensive Specialist left the season early with a serious injury, the Talons wondered how they would reach success in 2004. The "go to guy" was now cluttering the bench with a large ankle brace and crutches. After paying his dues to the game and watching over half the 2004 season from the sidelines, Allner is cashing in his chips and moving forward in his career.

Allner ends his time with the Talons holding a record, for the number of records he recorded during his af2 tenure. He holds five all-af2 records, three Talons 2004 game high records, six Talons career records, four Talons single season records, and two Talons single game records; along with leading the 2003 af2 Championship team to victory. Among his honors, Allner was the af2 all-time scoring leader in 2003, the af2 2002 Offensive Player of the Year, and holds the record for received TD passes in one Talons game (six).

Allner said, "I know it's the right thing to do for my future. My body has taken a beating and it's time to pursue some different goals of mine. I love football and I hope to still be involved with it somehow."

After graduating from Morningside College in Iowa, his native-state, Allner quickly developed into a spectacular arena football player. He played for the Quad City Steamwheelers, the Iowa Barnstormers, the New York Dragons, the Las Vegas Gladiators, and the Austin Wranglers before coming to the Talons. He understood the game quickly, and played it well.

Allner was a huge part of the success the Talons have recently enjoyed. He represented an exciting beginning for a team facing ever-changing rules, staff and players. Though the Talons had another exceptional season in 2004, Talons fans felt Allner's absence on the field. He created a name for himself, not only in Tulsa, but also across the entire af2 league. Allner's name is one for the history books of arena football.

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