Dana Romney Director of Communications 801-891-9830 danar@utblaze.com Jay Hinton Director of Media Relations 801-448-3731 jayh@utblaze.com
VETERAN BOONE POISED FOR SOLID 2010 SEASON
SALT LAKE CITY When the Arena Football League decided to take the 2009 season off, Utah Blaze wide receiver Aaron Boone felt like a rug had been pulled out from beneath him.
He was coming off the best year of his professional career where he recorded 135 catches for 1,527 yards and 23 touchdowns, and had signed a three-year deal to remain with the team.
I wasnt ready for my career to be over, said Boone, who was one of three Blaze receivers to set an AFL record for totaling more than 100 catches, 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns in the same season. I have played professional football for years and years, but I felt I was playing my best ball. I still have the passion, ability and desire to play.
He began scratching the itch to resume his career by entertaining offers from teams in Europe. But when he heard the AFL and the Blaze were coming back for the 2010 season he and his wife decided they wanted to stay in his home state where he played high school football and two years of college football to finish out his professional career.
I was a little worried 2009 was a tough year. It was the first time in a lot of years I was without football, said Boone, who prepped at Millard High School (Fillmore, Utah) and played collegiately at Snow College (Ephraim, Utah) before attending the University of Kentucky.
Its a natural fit. Im a local guy who has been one of the top producers in the AFL so it was really a no-brainer for me to stay here, he said.
In his AFL career, Boone, who also spent time in the NFL and NFL Europe, has 233 catches for 2,695 yards and 50 touchdowns.
Personally, I plan on being the same consistent highly productive player that I have been throughout my career, he said. Now that I am a little older I feel my knowledge of the game can also greatly benefit the younger players new to the league.
The Blaze, who have been to the playoffs in each of their first three seasons in the league, open the 2010 campaign Friday, April 9 when they host the Spokane Shock.
I expect that we will have a very competitive team, he said. Coach (Ernesto) Purnsley is a proven coach in this league and he demands all you have. He knows what it takes to win championships and I hope he can lead us to that.
Season- and single-game tickets are now available by calling 888-99BLAZE or information can be found at www.utblaze.com.
