Barry Wagner retirement celebration set for Preds season finale

Tuesday June 3, 2008

ORLANDO, FL—On Tuesday the Orlando Predators announced the official retirement of Arena Football League great Barry Wagner.  The product of Alabama A&M University played for the Preds from 1992-1999 and led Orlando to their first ArenaBowl title in 1998.

Wagner was the AFL’s reining Ironman of the Year for six straight seasons (1992-1997). He still holds Preds single-season records for points scored (310) and rushing touchdowns (21).  He held the single-season record for All-Purpose yards (2,876) until current Preds wide receiver T.T. Toliver broke that record in Week 14 against the Arizona Rattlers.

“The IronMan” still holds seven Preds All-Time records including All-Purpose yards (14,134), rushing touchdowns (69), receptions (651), receiving yards (9,493), touchdown receptions (210), points scored (1,766), and forced fumbles (14).

“Barry Wagner is obviously the best player to ever wear a Predators’ uniform and as an organization we feel it is important for us to send him out with a great celebration among those who admire him the most—Orlando Predators’ fans,” Preds media relations director Jason Lucas said.

Wagner has been a big part in some of the biggest moments in Preds history including the “Miracle Minute” in 1992 against the Detroit Drive when he scored two touchdowns and recovered an on-sides kick in the last 40 seconds of the game.  He scored the game-winning two-point conversion with 11 seconds left.  Wagner also intercepted Detroit’s last gasp as the Preds won 50-49 against the defending World Champions.

“Anybody who played with or against Barry knows he was the best player to ever suit up in this league,” head coach Jay Gruden said.  “It was always fun to watch him play, it wasn’t fun throwing him interceptions and watching him score, but he was just a phenomenal player.”

The celebration is set to take place at halftime of the Preds meeting with the New Orleans VooDoo on June 13 at 7:30 p.m..  Wagner will also be inducted into the Preds Ring of Honor which includes Perry Moss, Herkie Walls, Paul McGowan, Fran Papasedero, Ben Bennett, and Durwood Roquemore. Tickets for the game can be purchased by calling 407-648-4444.