Sports stats



Vigilantes to Retire the Number of Dallas' Greatest Arena Football Player

July 16, 2010 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Dallas Vigilantes News Release


DALLAS, Texas - The Dallas Vigilantes will retire the No. 13 worn by Clint Dolezel, Dallas greatest Arena Football player. Dolezel's number will be retired at halftime of the Vigilantes' July 24 game against the Utah Blaze at the American Airlines Center.

In celebration of Dolezel and his legacy, the Vigilantes are also offering a special $5 general admission ticket for this July 24 game.

Dolezel retired from Arena Football following the 2008 season. The former Dallas Desperados quarterback left his mark on the Arena Football record books during his 13-year career, retiring as the league's all-time leader in passing yards (44,559) while also extending his hold on the AFL's all-time passing touchdowns list (931) and extending his league record of consecutive 3-000-yard passing seasons to eight. In his final season Dolezel became the first quarterback in pro football history to pass for 900 touchdowns.

"It is certainly an honor to be recognized this way," Dolezel said. "I had a long career in Arena Football and quickly fell in love with the game. It was great to be able to come back home to Texas and wrap up my playing career in Dallas in front of the best fans in Arena Football. I am truly humbled by this and it will be fun to see all of the Dallas Arena Football fans one more time."

Despite wrapping up his playing career, Dolezel has not left football altogether. He served as the offensive coordinator of arenafootball2's Florida Firecats in 2009 and was head coach of the San Angelo Stampede Express in 2010. Dolezel led the Stampede Express to an 11-5 record and a quarterfinal berth in the playoffs.

"Clint Dolezel is what Arena Football is all about," said Dallas Vigilantes owner Woody Kern. "He's tough, he's smart, he's all heart, and he plays with his emotions on his sleeve. He was someone who was always a cut above as a quarterback, and he made the players around him better. That is the mark of a champion and an all-time great, which Clint certainly is."

Desperados COO Shy Anderson added, "Clint had an outstanding Arena Football career and was a great asset to the Desperados organization. He was a great warrior on the field and just as good of a person off the field. We are all very happy and proud of Clint's accomplishments and wish him the best in his future endeavors."

Dolezel began his Arena Football career in Milwaukee in 1995 before earning a starting role with the Texas Terror in 1997. His stops along the way also included stints with the Houston Thunderbears, Grand Rapids Rampage, and the Las Vegas Gladiators. Despite playing for just three seasons with the Dallas Desperados, the East Texas State product set every major career and individual-season offensive passing record for the team.

"Clint Dolezel is one of the most outstanding players to ever step foot on an Arena Football field," said Arena Football commissioner Jerry Kurz. "His talent, professionalism, toughness, and love of the game set him apart, and I am extremely happy that this honor is being bestowed upon him. Clint is one of the true Arena Football greats and will go down as a legend of our sport."

The Dallas Vigilantes close out their inaugural home season on Saturday, July 24, when they host the Utah Blaze. The game is also Fan Appreciation Night, where there will be great prizes and give-aways for those in attendance. Fans will also enjoy live music by the Stratoblasters and be entertained by a special performance by Team Impact.

Kick-off for the game against Utah is 7:30 pm at the American Airlines Center. Special $5 general admission tickets can be purchased by calling 972.378.5454.

• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...

Arena Football League Stories from July 16, 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.

Other Recent Dallas Vigilantes Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central