Albany Empire introduce record-setting QB Tommy Grady
ALBANY, NY» The Albany Empire announce that All-Arena, record setting veteran quarterback, Tommy Grady has been assigned to the team. Per League and team rules, terms are not disclosed.
“Tommy Grady just solidifies the Albany Empire offense and brings great veteran leadership to the team,” Rob Keefe, Head Coach of the Albany Empire said. “He is a gunslinger who will not only help our team win football games, but put on a show for the Albany fans each and every game.”
Grady comes to the Empire with seven years of AFL experience. Originally from Huntington Beach, California, Grady attended the University of Oklahoma. After redshirting in 2003 behind Heisman winning Jason White, he played his sophomore season as a backup. In 2005, Grady transferred to the University of Utah. After seeing limited action in his junior season, Grady took over starting responsibilities in his senior year when his teammate and starting quarterback got injured.
Grady debuted in indoor football playing with the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgs (AF2) in 2009. Just a year later, the Yard Dawgs made the transition to the AFL. Grady signed with the Utah Blaze in 2011 where he broke out and threw for 107 touchdowns. The following season, Grady posted the greatest single season for a quarterback in league history. He threw for 142 touchdowns and 5,863 yards, both single season records. He also tossed 12 touchdowns in a game against the Cleveland Gladiators during that season, a single game record. He was named first team All-Arena, League MVP, and AFL Offensive Player of the Year.
After his historic season, Grady was moved to the Pittsburgh Power, where he played for one season and racked up 115 touchdowns. Grady then moved on to the Jacksonville Sharks where he led the team to the ArenaBowl in 2015 and Conference Championship in 2016 where they lost to the eventual champions, Philadelphia Soul.
In Tommy’s career, he is in the Top 10 all time in Arena Football in the following categories: passing yards (9th), passing touchdowns (8th), pass attempts (8th) and pass completions (8th). In his AFL ca-
reer, he has amassed 32,008 passing yards, 701 touchdowns and just 113 interceptions.
“This is an exciting day for the Albany Empire,” Chris Thompson, Offensive Coordinator for the Albany Empire said. “Tommy is a winner and a proven elite MVP QB. He’s a true professional on and off the field and his experience and knowledge of the game will raise everyone’s game around him. He immediately makes us a better offensive football team and we are thrilled to start working with him right away.”
“It’s a very proud day for the Albany Empire,” Keefe said. Signing a player of Tommy’s caliber for our inaugural season shows that Albany is a city the top talent in the league wants to come to. He will not only help us win on the field, but off the field as well. Tommy is a great quarterback, who has broken many passing records and he will also be a positive leader in this community. Our main focus is to win while adding impactful value to the Capital Region.”