af2 Press ReleaseJesse Schmidt named The Big Game Playmaker of the Year
Thursday August 13, 2009
CHICAGO – Quad City WR JESSE SCHMIDT has been named The Big Game Playmaker of the Year by the af2. This award was created in 2007 to highlight the player who makes a name for himself by making plays all over the field for his team during the season.
The 6-3, 225-pound veteran receiver was a bright spot in an otherwise dim Steamwheelers’ season. Schmidt, who played in all 16 regular season games, shattered a 10-year old af2 record with 2,390 yards receiving in 2009. The Buena Vista alum eclipsed the previous af2 record of 2,086 yards receiving set in 2000 by CARL BOND of Tallahassee.
In addition to his receiving yards mark, Schmidt’s super season included 350 points scored, 58 total touchdowns, 58 receiving touchdowns and 171 receptions. He owned all five league single-season records until Rio Grande Valley rookie ROD WINDSOR surpassed Schmidt in the latter four categories in the final week of the season.
Schmidt also tied Windsor for the most 100-yard receiving games with 13, including a league-record streak of 11 straight games with 100 or more yards receiving. He also had four games with at least 200 yards receiving. Schmidt’s best single-game performance came in the first game of the year when he recorded 12 catches for 233 yards and 7 TDs – tying the team record for most receiving TDs in a game. He was a two-time weekly award winner in 2009 as well (JLS Ironman – WK15, Russell Athletic Co-Rookie – WK16).
Schmidt also lined up at jack linebacker when needed in 2009, finishing with 24.5 tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery and two pass breakups. His best overall effort came in a Week 15 loss to Peoria when he had eight catches for 78 yards and three TDs on offense and 3.5 tackles and his first career interception on defense.
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From our humble beginnings over a decade ago, The Big Game quickly grew to become the leading producer of quality sports commemoratives for professional, college and high school sports teams. Since then, our impressive client roster has grown to include Fortune 500 corporations, politicians, movie stars, musicians - even American presidents! Today, our quality merchandise is proudly displayed in the trophy cases of thousands of athletes, sports collectors and fans across the United States. The Big Game uses special patented and proprietary techniques to provide attractive, durable products at a competitive cost regardless of quantity - all at our factory in historic Frisco, Texas. Our craftsmanship, attention to detail and creativity is good old American know-how at its finest. So whether you need to recognize your top 500 performers or a top 10 team, we are confident you will find a Big Game commemorative that is just right for you. For more information, log onto www.thebiggameusa.com.
Remaining 2009 af2 Award Announcements:
Aaron’s Defensive Player of the Year – Friday, Aug. 14
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Year – Tuesday, Aug. 18
JLS Ironman of the Year – Wednesday, Aug. 19
JLS Ironman of the Year – Wednesday, Aug. 19
