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SALT LAKE CITY - In an epic rout of the Chicago Rush last Saturday night, Utah Blaze quarterback Tommy Grady became the first player in the Arena Football League to reach 100 touchdown passes in 2012. The ultra-productive signal caller is also the only player in franchise history - and just the fourth in AFL history - to achieve the feat in consecutive seasons.
Against the Rush, Grady (6-7, 240, Utah) tossed seven more scores to bring his season total to 101 passing touchdowns in 2012. He ranks first in the AFL in that category and it isn't even close. Arizona's Nick Davila has 89 touchdown passes and places second by a wide margin of 12. At this rate, Grady is poised to completely rewrite the record books. His unprecedented output has him on pace to shatter all-time AFL passing marks for touchdowns, yards, completions and attempts.
"Tommy Grady is an outstanding quarterback and an exceptional leader for this team," said President & Head Coach Ron James. "He is having a tremendous season so far because of his work ethic and the way his teammates rally around him. He is truly fun to watch and has certainly flourished in our offensive system. We are eager to see how his stellar season progresses as we head down this critical stretch of the AFL season."
In 13 games this season, Grady has thrown for 4,425 yards with 101 touchdowns on 380-of-559 passing (68.0%). He's added 54 yards and six more scores on the ground, and leads the League with 107 total offensive touchdowns and 4,479 total offensive yards.
Grady has already set several single-game AFL records in 2012. He completed 46 pass attempts against the Kansas City Command to break the previous mark of 42 set by Andy Kelly in 2007. Against the Spokane Shock, Grady became just the third player in AFL history to throw 11 touchdown passes in a game.
The accolades have already begun to pour in for Grady, who was twice named the Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week and has been nominated for the National Guard MVP of the Week on three occasions. With five games remaining on the schedule, Grady could be reeling in several other prestigious awards before all is said and done.
Despite the gaudy numbers and individual honors, Grady's focus remains on one objective. "Our goal is to win a championship and I think we have the team to do it," said Grady. "At the end of the day, the numbers don't mean anything if we don't come out on top. I'll always trade the statistics for a win."
ABOUT THE BLAZE
The Utah Blaze (8-5) returns home to Tim Dahle Field at EnergySolutions Arena on Saturday, June 23rd to take on the Georgia Force. Tickets are still available for purchase by calling 1-888-99BLAZE, or online at www.utblaze.com. Follow the Utah Blaze on Facebook (facebook.com/utahblaze) and Twitter (@utblaze) for all the latest news and updates.
Photo: Al Walters
