R.J. Archer Headed to Seattle Seahawks

Thursday February 5, 2015

 Quarterback signs with NFC Champions

JACKSONVILLE - The Jacksonville Sharks and the Arena Football League announced Wednesday that quarterback R.J. Archer has been placed on the AFL’s Other League Exempt list, as Archer has signed a contract with the National Football League’s Seattle Seahawks.

Archer is a four-year AFL veteran who spent each of the last two years in Jacksonville. After serving as the Sharks’ backup quarterback in 2013, he stepped into the starting role this past season. In 2014, Archer finished third among all AFL passers with 4,661 yards, completing 367 of his 634 attempts for a total of 92 touchdowns against 14 interceptions.

Throughout the 2014 season, Archer tossed six or more touchdowns on 10 separate occasions, a total that includes a pair of eight-touchdown games. He capped the campaign with a 318-yard, six-touchdown, no-interitception performance in the season finale against the Los Angeles KISS, for which he earned Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week honors.

In limited action during the 2013 season, Archer went 72-for-102 (70.6%), throwing for 741 yards and 12 touchdowns against three interceptions. Prior to his arrival in Jacksonville, Archer played with the Georgia Force in 2012 and the Milwaukee Mustangs in 2011. Over the course of his four-year AFL career, Archer has completed 59.6 percent of his pass attempts, throwing for a total of 10,201 yards and 180 touchdowns against 43 interceptions.

This is not Archer’s first shot in the NFL, as he competed in training camp with the Detroit Lions in 2012 and spent time on both Minnesota Vikings’ active roster and practice squad in 2010. Prior to his professional career, Archer attended the College of William & Mary, where he led the Tribe to an 11-3 record as a senior in 2009.

About the Jacksonville Sharks

The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the Arena Football League (AFL). The ArenaBowl XXIV and four-time South Division Champions are presented by Sea Best Seafood and play all home games on Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Season Tickets for the 2015 season are now available, two tickets as low as $99. To reserve your season tickets or for more information, please call (904) 621-0700. Follow the Sharks on facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumsharks.