Albany Empire Add More Veteran Leadership to Roster
Thursday March 22, 2018
Day Three Signings Include four talented AFL Veterans
ALBANY- The Albany Empire announce four additional players have been assigned to the team roster on the third day of free agency. Per League and team rules, terms are not disclosed. All four players assigned are league veterans. The free agency signing period for the Arena Football League began at 7 a.m. on Monday March 19.
“As a coaching staff, we feel like we are putting together an All-Star team,” said Rob Keefe, Head Coach of the Albany Empire. “We have a ton of veteran leadership on this team who can help our younger guys grow and be successful. I know that the product that we put on the field come April 14 will be highly talented and something that the Capital Region can be proud of.”
Greg Carr, Wide Receiver
Greg Carr brings a ton of experience to the AFL’s newest franchise. A star at Florida State University, Carr played all four years putting up huge numbers for the school. In just his freshman year, he led all FSU receivers with 20.6 yards per catch and total receiving touchdowns (9). His efforts earned him second team All-ACC and third team freshman All-American honors. Throughout the rest of his tenure at FSU, Carr earned second team All-ACC in his sophomore year, and finished his career as the school’s second all-time leader in receiving touchdowns with 29. After college, Carr signed with the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent. In 2010, he began a successful career in the CFL that included stops with the Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Eskimos, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and the Calgary Stampeders. Carr has over 300 receptions and 89 touchdowns in his four seasons in the AFL.
Julius Gregory, Wide Receiver
Julius Gregory brings seven years of professional football experience to the Capital Region. Attending Shaw University, Gregory set the single season and career records for receiving touchdowns (8) in a season as a senior. After going undrafted in the 2011 NFL Draft, Gregory joined the Carolina Force of American Indoor Football (AIF). Gregory worked out with the Denver Broncos, but did not sign with the team. In 2014, Gregory went back to the AIF and played for the York Capitals where he was named Co-MVP of the league. The following season, Gregory played on the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks in the PIFL, under Empire Coach Chris Thompson. About midway through the season, Gregory made the jump to the AFL and was assigned to the Tampa Bay storm. He spent the last two seasons with the Arizona Rattlers and the Washington Valor racking up 129 receptions, 1398 yards and 32 TD.
Arthur Hobbs, Defensive Back
Another West Coast native to join the Empire, Arthur Hobbs is entering his fourth season playing indoor football. Hailing from San Diego, Hobbs attended the University of Nebraska-Kearney where he had an accolade filled collegiate career. Hobbs began his professional career in 2012 by signing with the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted rookie free agent. He was signed and released to the Chargers’ practice squad twice during the 2012 season. In 2013, Hobbs took his talents to Canada and signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. In his first year in the CFL, Hobbs was productive with 32 tackles and two interceptions. The Tiger-Cats lost in the championship game in 2013. In 2014, Hobbs was assigned to the Orlando Predators where he played under Coach Keefe. He made his way back to the CFL in 2015, signing with the Calgary Stampeders, before coming back to the AFL in 2017 playing with the Tampa Bay Storm. In five games with the Storm, he compiled 26 tackles and broke up six passes.
Doug McNeil, Wide Receiver
Doug McNeil is yet another veteran who brings a ton of professional experience to the Empire. Originally from Baltimore, he attended Virginia Tech University before transferring to Bowie State. During his three years at Bowie State, he racked up 84 catches, for 1,407 yards and 11 TDs. After graduation, McNeil was assigned to the Portland Thunder, where he earned team honors of Player of the Year. In 2014, he was signed to the Denver Broncos’ practice squad as an undrafted free agent. In 2015, McNeil was signed and released from the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad three times throughout the season. He spent last season in the CFL on the BC Lions’ practice squad. He is excited about being the new team in town and is looking forward to showcasing his dance moves for the Capital Region.
Don’t miss your opportunity to witness history as Arena Football returns to Albany! Fans can secure their single game tickets for the Albany Empire’s inaugural game at TheAlbanyEmpire.com. Also available are 2018 season and single game tickets, flex packs, group outings and inaugural game family 4 packs at 518-533-2200 or at www.TheAlbanyEmpire.com!
Albany Empire 2018 Inaugural Season Presented By CDPHP.
About Albany Empire
The Arena Football League’s newest franchise, The Albany Empire will begin play on April 14, 2018 at the Times Union Center. Season memberships for the inaugural 2018 season are on sale now. For tickets, contact the Albany Empire sales department at (518) 533-2200 or by going to TheAlbanyEmpire.com. Follow the team on Facebook at facebook.com/TheAlbanyEmpire and Twitter at twitter.com/Albany_Empire.
About Arena Football League
The Arena Football League will enter its 31st Season in 2018. Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased a fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. Teams slated for 2018 include: Albany, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. CBS Sports Network nationally broadcasts AFL games each week, culminating with the ArenaBowl. The AFL launched AFLNow, the League’s streaming “Over-the-Top” network to give fans even more access to the League on arenafootball.com. For all the latest news and discussion on the Arena Football League follow the AFL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@aflarenaball)
About Times Union Center
Albany’s Times Union Center, formerly Pepsi Arena, continues to have great success. Renamed in January 2007, the The Times Union Center is “Upstate New York’s Premier Sports and Entertainment Facility. Owned by Albany County and operated by SMG, the world’s largest private management firm for public assembly facilities, the Times Union Center has an adaptable seating capacity between 6,000 and 17,500. Since Frank Sinatra christened the building on January 30, 1990, more than seven million patrons have walked through the turnstiles. As a multi-purpose facility, the Times Union Center has hosted a variety of events, including concerts, family shows and sporting events, averaging 165 events each year.
About CDPHP®
Established in 1984, CDPHP is a physician-founded, member-focused and community-based not-for-profit health plan that offers high-quality affordable health insurance plans to members in 24 counties throughout New York. CDPHP is also on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram.
