Zimmerman Lands In Orlando After Dispersal Draft
Published on October 14, 2004 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa â Better opportunities in Arena Football might be ahead for former Quad City Steamwheelers record-breaking quarterback Tony Zimmerman.
The first step in that process came on Thursday, when the Arena Football League held its dispersal draft, which consisted of players from the three folded AFL franchises â Indiana, Detroit and Carolina. Zimmerman was selected 11th by the Orlando Predators.
Zimmerman started out with the Steamwheelers in 2002, but broke his leg and only saw action in seven games. He completed 143-of-262 passes for 1,827 yards and 39 touchdowns. He threw eight interceptions. His season was ended on June 1, 2002, in a game against archrival Peoria.
Zimmerman returned in 2003 and had a career year. He broke the af2 record for touchdown passes in a season with 93, breaking the old record of 86 that was held by Tennessee Valley Vipers quarterback Matt Sauk who accomplished that feat in 2000. Zimmerman finished the season 286-of-512 for 4,357 yards and threw just seven interceptions. Zimmerman had a 13:1 touchdown to interception ratio, the best in the league. He also rushed for 17 touchdowns, setting a Steamwheelers record, (which was broken the next season in 2004 by quarterback Ronnie Gordon, who rushed for 23).
After being named the 2003 af2 Offensive Player of the Year, Zimmerman signed with the Indiana Firebirds. He started in two games and played in six games for the Firebirds. He completed 29-of-55 passes for 292 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for a touchdown.
Stuck in a situation that saw Indiana change head coaches early in the season, Zimmerman finished the season behind 2004 AFL Rookie of the Year Adrian McPherson, the former Florida State standout, who was brought up with the coaching change.
"It's good to have a fresh start," Zimmerman said. "The Predators organization has a great history and great coach in Jay Gruden (brother of Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon, who actively watches the Predators). He knows this game inside and out as a former AFL standout quarterback and he knows how to coach a winning team. I am excited to be associated with that.
"I just want the opportunity to compete and play again. Last year I had that chance to compete, but I didn't run with the opportunity when I should have, but that won't happen again."
As of Thursday, there was not a quarterback listed on the Predators website.
arenafootball2 Stories from October 14, 2004
- Zimmerman Lands In Orlando After Dispersal Draft - Quad City Steamwheelers
- 2004 af2 Ironman of the Year Dodge to Colorado - Quad City Steamwheelers
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.
