Aaron Garcia Returns as Sharks 2011 Signal Caller

Thursday September 23, 2010

JACKSONVILLE, FLA - The Jacksonville Sharks announce quarterback Aaron Garcia, the Arena Football League’s most prolific passer, returns to Jacksonville for 2011.

Garcia (6’1, 195, Sacramento State) will compete in his 17th season in the AFL in 2011. The veteran quarterback surpassed several milestones in the Sharks’ inaugural season becoming the all-time leader in passing yards (45,098), passing touchdowns (962) and total touchdowns (1,007).

“Our top priority was getting Aaron back,” commented Sharks’ head coach Les Moss. “He was one of the main reasons we were so successful in our inaugural season. He’s a great leader and a key to us in our championship bid for the 2011 season.”

Last season, Garcia started 15 of 16 regular season games and one playoff game as the Sharks’ signal caller. Garcia completed 314 of his 490 passing attempts for over 3,700 yards for 82 touchdowns. Garcia matched a career high 16 interceptions and added one rushing touchdown on nine attempts.

Over his illustrious career, Garcia has been heralded as one of the greatest players to play the Brawl Between the Walls. A two-time All-AFL quarterback, Garcia was named the 2001 Offensive Player of the Year after becoming the first player in the history of football to throw for 100 or more touchdowns in a season - a feat he duplicated in 2003. In 2006, Garcia was named the 11th best player to ever play Arena Football.

During the season, he passed former AFL quarterback Clint Dolezel at the top of the list for passing yards and passing touchdowns in a career. Garcia was nominated as the AFL Offensive Player of the Week five times in 2010 and was honored with the AFL Highlight of the Week twice.

In 2011, Garcia can move up the ranks in a few other passing categories. He only needs 13 passing attempts to surpass Dolezel for second in career attempts - 540 to pass Andy Kelly for the all-time top spot. Garcia can leap over Dolezel with 168 completions and take Kelly’s all-time best record with 305 completions.

The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the Arena Football League (AFL). The reigning South Division Champions play all home games on Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. The Sharks return to action in March of 2011 for a sophomore season. Season tickets for the 2011 season are now available. To reserve your season tickets, group tickets, or for more information please call (904) 621-0700.