October team-by-team updateAFL Press Release
All 17 Arena Football League teams are staying busy this offseason by re-signing players, hosting open tryouts, participating in various community activities and much more. Following is a team-by-team rundown of the latest happenings around the AFL.
Impressive crop of veterans available in 2009 free agencyAFL Press Release
2008 Champs Sports Quarterback of the Year MATT D’ORAZIO (ArenaBowl XX, XXII) and 2008 Russell Athletic Team Leader of the Year QB MARK GRIEB (ArenaBowl XVIII, XXI), MVPs of four ArenaBowls, including the last three, and opponents in the most recent title game on July 27, headline a list of 172 free agents who are eligible to be contacted by teams today.
Rush hires D-line coachChicago Daily Herald
Purnsley, a veteran assistant coach with 10 years of experience in the Arena Football League, comes to Chicago after spending the last five seasons as the defensive coordinator with the Colorado Crush.
Baker’s Abrupt Departure Shouldn’t Hurt Long LegacyAdam Markowitz, ArenaFan.comFor those that don’t know me, I’ve been around this game for a long time. However, out of every game, every trade, every free agent signing, every victory and every defeat I’ve witnessed, there has not been a more intriguing and mystifying day in Arena Football League history than Friday, July 25, 2008.
Rush promotes Schwartze to Defensive CoordinatorChicago Rush Press Release
The Chicago Rush has promoted assistant coach Brian Schwartze to the position of defensive coordinator, the team announced today.
Rush, GM Polisky win AFL awardsChicago Daily Herald
The Chicago Rush won the 2008 Arena Football League Commissioner's Award, given to the league's organization of the year, and Rush president/general manager Mike Polisky was named the league's executive of the year, the AFL announced Friday night at its annual awards banquet.
Ex-Rush QB back in big way, in big gameChicago Tribune
"I'd be lying to you if I said I wasn't a little bit hurt [when released]," said D'Orazio, who quarterbacked the Rush to a 2006 ArenaBowl title. "I thought for sure I was going back to Chicago and was working on my rehab when I got the news."
Healed D'Orazio is Soul's new starChicago Tribune
After the Rush released him last November because it was uncertain about his recovery from back surgery, the 31-year-old quarterback found new life in Philadelphia.