Albany Empire Land Elite AFL Quarterback
Tuesday April 3, 2018
Empire Announce Tommy Grady Assigned to Team Roster
ALBANY, NY- The Albany Empire announce that All-Arena, record setting veteran quarterback, Tommy Grady has been assigned to the team. Per League and team rules, terms are not disclosed.
“Tommy Grady just solidifies the Albany Empire offense and brings great veteran leadership to the team,” said Rob Keefe, Head Coach of the Albany Empire. “He is a gunslinger who will not only help our team win football games, but put on a show for the Albany fans each and every game.”
Grady comes to the Empire with seven years of AFL experience. Originally from Huntington Beach, California, Grady attended the University of Oklahoma. After redshirting in 2003 behind Heisman winning Jason White, he played his sophomore season as a backup. In 2005, Grady transferred to the University of Utah. After seeing limited action in his junior season, Grady took over starting responsibilities in his senior year when his teammate and starting quarterback got injured.
Grady debuted in indoor football playing with the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgs (AF2) in 2009. Just a year later, the Yard Dawgs made the transition to the AFL. Grady signed with the Utah Blaze in 2011 where he broke out and threw for 107 touchdowns. The following season, Grady posted the greatest single season for a quarterback in league history. He threw for 142 touchdowns and 5,863 yards, both single season records. He also tossed 12 touchdowns in a game against the Cleveland Gladiators during that season, a single game record. He was named first team All-Arena, League MVP, and AFL Offensive Player of the Year.
After his historic season, Grady was moved to the Pittsburgh Power, where he played for one season and racked up 115 touchdowns. Grady then moved on to the Jacksonville Sharks where he led the team to the ArenaBowl in 2015 and Conference Championship in 2016 where they lost to the eventual champions, Philadelphia Soul.
In Tommy’s career, he is in the Top 10 all time in Arena Football in the following categories: passing yards (9th), passing touchdowns (8th), pass attempts (8th) and pass completions (8th). In his AFL career, he has amassed 32,008 passing yards, 701 touchdowns and just 113 interceptions.
“This is an exciting day for the Albany Empire,” said Chris Thompson, Offensive Coordinator for the Albany Empire. Tommy is a winner and a proven elite MVP QB. He’s a true professional on and off the field and his experience and knowledge of the game will raise everyone’s game around him. He immediately makes us a better offensive football team and we are thrilled to start working with him right away.”
"It's a very proud day for the Albany Empire,” said Keefe. “Signing a player of Tommy's caliber for our inaugural season shows that Albany is a city the top talent in the league wants to come to. He will not only help us win on the field, but off the field as well. Tommy is a great quarterback, who has broken many passing records and he will also be a positive leader in this community. Our main focus is to win while adding impactful value to the Capital Region.”
Fans can secure their season tickets for the Albany Empire’s inaugural season now by calling 518-533-2200 or by going to TheAlbanyEmpire.com. A team representative will contact those that purchased season tickets within 24 business hours to select their specific seats. Flex packs and inaugural game Family Four Packs also on sale now 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 in Spring 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.
