Valv's #79 to be retired Sunday vs. Crush
May 11, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS â Easily one of the most popular players in the history of the Firebirds, and perhaps the entire Arena Football League, long-time offensive/defensive lineman, Mark Valvo, will see his former Firebirds' jersey (number 79) raised to the rafters of Conseco Fieldhouse prior to Indiana's 2:00 PM game versus the Colorado Crush on Sunday. The game will be televised locally on WTHR-13 (NBC) as a part of this week's AFL on NBC regional broadcast package.
Valvo, also known by his fans as "Biggs" began his career with the Albany (NY) Firebirds in 1993. He was signed mid-season and became a fixture on the Firebirds front line for the next ten seasons, before playing his last season with the Destroyers in 2003. He holds the record for most seasons in a Firebirds uniform by any player (10) and is tied for second in AFL history for longest tenure with one team.
"I can't even put into words what it meant to me to play for the Firebirds for so long", commented Valvo from his home in Watervliet, NY. "The relationships that I made throughout the years are what I really take with me. I spent over one-third of my life in the Arena Football League and the people are what made it for me, especially Mike Dailey and the rest of the Firebirds organization."
Valvo will get his jersey retired in front of Dailey, who now coaches the Crush, along with several ex-teammates who now play for Colorado. Valvo will remain at the game to sign autographs for the fans, as well as be a halftime guest for the Firebirds' radio broadcast on ESPN 950AM.
"The fans are what this sport is all about, that's why I loved it for so long. The people of Albany embraced me and now I live here with my wife, ready to begin the next chapter in my life. Then the Indianapolis fans took me in and treated me like their son. I could not express how much I am going to miss interacting with all of those great people after every game."
Valvo played in 86 games during his career, amassing 53.0 total tackles, 5.0 sacks and five pass breakups. He was a vital component to the Firebirds' team that captured the 1999 ArenaBowl championship in Albany. A 2002 inductee to the Buffalo State Athletics Hall of Fame, Valvo anchored the Bengals' offensive line from 1988 until 1992. In 1991, he became the first Bengals football player to be named All-America, putting Buffalo State on the map among Division III schools.
"As we look back on some of the greatest people to touch the Firebirds organization, there is no doubt that Mark Valvo has had a tremendous impact on our team and the fans we have played in front of", Stated Firebirds' General Manager John Kolner. "Mark Valvo was about playing for the love of the game and had a great respect for the Arena Football League along with a great relationship with the fans. Mark is the embodiment of what the Arena Football League is and hopefully always will be."
Firebirds' group tickets for the 2004 season are on sale now and can be purchased by calling a Firebirds' ticket representative at 317.472.8080. For single game tickets, please visit www.ticketmaster.com. Firebirds merchandise is also available at Home Court Gift Shop. For merchandise information, please call 317.917.2755.
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