Xplorers Lose Lemon To NFL, QB Signs With San Diego Chargers
Published on April 1, 2003 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Memphis Xplorers News Release
SOUTHAVEN, Miss â The Memphis Xplorers announced today that QB Cleo Lemon has signed with the San Diego Chargers of the NFL. Lemon had a workout on Monday and the team was informed of the signing today. The Xplorers travel to Columbus, Georgia, to take on the Wardogs this Saturday night to begin the af2 season. The home opener is set for April 12th against the Bakersfield Blitz at the DeSoto Civic Center, located just 15 minutes south of downtown Memphis. Call (662) 280-3737 for tickets or go online to www.xplorersaf2.com ..
"This is what af2 is all about," Xplorers Head Coach Danton Barto said. "Guys dream about getting a chance like this and we couldn't be happier for Cleo. We knew this was a possibility because of his talent, but we felt that singing him was worth the gamble."
The 6-2, 226-pound Lemon is Arkansas State's all-time leader in passing yardage (7,706 yards) and career touchdown passes (48). He also owns ASU single-game (403) and single-season (2,721) records for passing yardage. Lemon was a four-year starter for Arkansas State. He set virtually every Arkansas State passing and total offense record. Lemon became Arkansas State's all-time leading passer as a junior and added to his totals during the 2000 season. Lemon signed an NFL free agent contract with the Green Bay Packers in April of 2001. He later spent time in NFL Europe and most recently attended training camp with the Baltimore Ravens.
"Cleo has a major-league arm and great talent," said Xplorers Offensive Coordinator Steve Matthews. "He throws a nice ball and I think he'll do well in the NFL. We are fortunate because we still have a pair of outstanding quarterbacks in Kevin Carty and Gary Peete. Carty played last year in af2 with Mohegan and that experience will be extremely valuable to us."
The Xplorers will continue their preparation for this Saturday's game at Columbus with practices in the southeast parking lot of the DeSoto Civic Center. The Xplorers practice at 8 p.m. nightly through Thursday.
XPLORERS SEASON TICKET PACKAGES
Season ticket packages are available right now starting as low as $84.95 for a pair of season tickets and two t-shirts. For ticket information and purchases call (662) 280-3737 or go online to www.xplorersaf2.com .
ON THE AIR
The Xplorers game this Saturday night against Columbus will air on FM Y96.1. The game will be tape delayed due to a NASCAR conflict and will begin approximately 10:00 p.m.
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