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Tuskers Make Moves, Acquire Former Super Bowl Starter

July 15, 2010 - United Football League (UFL 1)
Florida Tuskers News Release


With the start of training camp 30 days away, the Florida Tuskers announced five roster moves on Thursday, including the acquisition of offensive lineman Darnell Stapleton, who started for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl XLIII.

After playing two seasons at Hudson Valley Community College, Stapleton signed with Rutgers University where he became a two-year starter at center (2005-06). As a senior he was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy, presented annually to the nation's top offensive center.

An undrafted free agent of the Steelers in 2007, Stapleton made the team as a back-up guard but did not play in any games, although he was activated for the season-ending playoff game against Jacksonville.

In 2008, Stapleton began the year as a reserve offensive lineman and played in all 16 games. He started the final 12 games when Kendall Simmons went down with a season-ending injury. Stapleton started all three games in the post-season, where he was credited with providing Ben Roethlisberger with outstanding protection in the Super Bowl win over Arizona. Stapleton suffered a knee injury and missed the entire 2009 season and was later released by the Steelers.

"Darnell is an interesting prospect for the Tuskers and the UFL," Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "This is a player who was talented enough to start for the Super Bowl champions less than two years ago. I am looking forward to seeing what Darnell can do in camp coming off last year's knee injury."

Gruden also announced four other roster moves. TE Jamarko Simmons, LB Bo Ruud, OL Kwame Harris and OL Melvin Fowler were all released from the roster. Rudd and Harris indicated they were retiring from pro football; while Fowler - an offensive lineman who signed with the Detroit Lions after the 2009 UFL season - was expecting to resign with an NFL team in the near future.

The moves leave the Tuskers with 67 players in their current roster. The team will bring 70 players into training camp. The Tuskers are scheduled to open training camp on August 15, with their season opener scheduled for Sept. 17 at Las Vegas. For Tusker season ticket information, fans may visit www.UFL-Football.com/tickets. Four-game packages, priced from $64 to $128, are available from the UFL website and all Ticketmaster outlets. Fans can also avoid ticket service charges by calling the team's box office at 407-545-8123.



United Football League Stories from July 15, 2010


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.

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