AFL announces 2011 Hall of Fame class

Friday August 12, 2011

TULSA, Okla. – During halftime of ArenaBowl XXIV, AFL Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz announced the 2011 AFL Hall of Fame Class.

“The 2011 Hall of Fame Class is filled with an elite group of players, coaches and executives,” Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz said. “Each member has played an important role in the game of Arena Football and where it is today. All ten deserve to be inducted to the first AFL Hall of Fame class since 2002.”
 
The 2011 Hall of Fame Class includes: San Jose SaberCats HEAD COACH DARREN ARBET, two-time Coach of the Year (2000, 2002) and owner of three ArenaBowl titles with San Jose (2002, 2004, 2007); two-time ArenaBowl Champion with the Tampa Bay Storm and three-time First Team All-Arena (1990-92), OL/DL SYLVESTER BEMBERY; WR EDDIE BROWN, ranked the Greatest Player in AFL History by the AFL Historical Committee, and three-time Offensive Player of the Year (1994, 1996, 1999); WR/LB HUNKIE COOPER, two-time Ironman of the Year award winner (1999-00) and AFL MVP (1993); OL/DL SAM HERNANDEZ, the AFL’s all-time sack leader with 59; OS GEORGE LaFRANCE, five-time ArenaBowl Champion (Detroit, 3; Tampa Bay, 2), two-time MVP (1989, 1991) and two-time Offensive Player of the Year (1989, 1991); Chicago Rush PRESIDENT/GM GENE NUDO, AFL Founders Award Winner (2002) and three-time League Executive of the Year (1997, 1999, 2000) with Arizona; WR/LB STEVIE THOMAS, four-time ArenaBowl Champion with the Storm who recorded 7,892 receiving yards and 111 tackles in his 10-year career; WR/DB BARRY WAGNER, ranked as the second Greatest Player in AFL History by the AFL Historical Committee and six-time Ironman of the Year winner (1992-97); and QB KURT WARNER, AFL Founders Award winner (2006), finishing his AFL career with 10,465 passing yards and 183 touchdowns.
 
Ten finalists were generated from the Hall of Fame Advisory Board, consisting of a rich list of journalists and executives with a long-time involvement in the game. Then, the ballots were passed to current AFL Hall of Famers while fans also received a weighted vote.
 
The Hall of Fame Operating Board of Directors opted to induct all ten members into the AFL Hall of Fame after a lengthy conference call.
 
The 2011 AFL Hall of Fame Class will be inducted during 2012 Kickoff Weekend.