Tampa Bay's Hippeard Named Most Valuable Player
Friday August 25, 2017
Hippeard becomes first Tampa Bay player since Jay Gruden to win MVP honor
LAS VEGAS – The Arena Football League has announced that Tampa Bay Storm quarterback Randy Hippeard has been named 2017 Most Valuable Player. This marks the first time Hippeard has been honored with the AFL's most prestigious individual honor and is the first time a Storm player to be honored with the MVP distinction since Jay Gruden in 1992.
Hippeard (6’3”, 205, Virginia-Wise) led the League in total offense (259.0 total yards per game) and accounted for 87 touchdowns, more than any other player in 2017. The fifth-year AFL veteran threw for a league-high 3,506 yards and 80 touchdowns against just eight interceptions while also finishing fourth in the League in rushing yards with 120.
Hippeard led the Storm to the No. 2 scoring offense in the AFL this season at 50.7 points per game. Tampa Bay also ranked No. 2 in total offense at 274.1 yards per game.
AFL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER |
||
YEAR |
PLAYER |
TEAM |
2017 |
Randy Hippeard |
Tampa Bay |
2016 |
Nick Davila |
Arizona |
2015 |
Dan Raudabaugh |
Philadelphia |
2014 |
Nick Davila |
Arizona |
2013 |
Erik Meyer |
Spokane |
2012 |
Tommy Grady |
Utah |
2011 |
Nick Davila |
Arizona |
1995 |
Barry Wagner |
Orlando |
1994 |
Eddie Brown |
Albany |
1993 |
Hunkie Cooper |
Arizona |
1992 |
Jay Gruden |
Tampa Bay |
1991 |
George LaFrance |
Detroit |
1990 |
Art Schlichter |
Detroit |
1989 |
George LaFrance |
Detroit |
1988 |
Ben Bennett |
Chicago |
1987 |
Russell Hairston |
Pittsburgh |
ARENABOWL XXX
Saturday, August 26 at 7:00 p.m. ET – Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia, Pa.)
#2 Tampa Bay Storm (10-4; 1-0) at #1 Philadelphia Soul (13-1; 1-0)
AFLNow, Twitter and abc6 (Philadelphia Only)
ABOUT THE AFL
The Arena Football League is now in its 30th Anniversary Season in 2017. 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 2017 include: Baltimore, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay and Washington D.C. CBS Sports Network nationally broadcasts AFL games each week during the regular season. ArenaBowl XXX takes place on Saturday, August 26 and can be seen on AFLNow and Twitter. For all the latest news and discussion on the Arena Football League, follow the AFL on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@aflarenaball).