Two-Time All-Ironman FB/LB Avery Out for Season

February 12, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Grand Rapids Rampage News Release


GRAND RAPIDS - The Grand Rapids Rampage received bad news this weekend, learning that their longest-tenured player and all-time leader in every major rushing category will miss the 2007 season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Fullback/linebacker Chris Avery (Grenada, Miss.), whose 78 regular-season games in a Rampage uniform are the most in the team's nine-year history, suffered the injury to his right knee early last week. Doctors confirmed the torn ligament this past weekend.

"It's a devastating loss," said Sparky McEwen, Rampage head coach and director of football operations. "He is our team captain and has meant so much to this organization. Chris has been working hard over the last three years to be in this position and make a run at the playoffs and the ArenaBowl. I really feel bad for him."

Over six years (2001-06) in the Arena Football League, all spent with Grand Rapids, Avery ranks first in Rampage history with 201 carries, 746 rushing yards, and 39 rushing touchdowns. He earned a spot on the AFL All-Ironman Team twice (2003 and 2005), and is 13th in AFL career rushing yards. Last season, Avery finished second on the team with 92 rushing yards while ranking fifth with 34 tackles and three sacks.

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The Grand Rapids Rampage are preparing to celebrate their 10th season in the Arena Football League. The Rampage, ArenaBowl XV champions, compete in the league's American Conference. The team is led by third-year head coach Sparky McEwen, and plays its games at Centennial Wireless Field in Van Andel Arena.

The Arena Football League, entering its 21st season, was dubbed the fifth major-league sport by ESPN the Magazine in 2004. The league consists of 19 teams split into two conferences and four divisions.

For the latest team news, visit RampageFootball.com.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 12, 2007


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