Late Tuesday, the Jacksonville Sharks announced that the veteran quarterback Tommy Grady will be returning for the 2018 season. The quarterback will return for his fourth season with Jacksonville and his ninth season of arena football.
Jacksonville Sharks Veteran Quarterback Returns for 2018 Season
While everyone expected to hear something about the National Arena League’s expansion deadline on August 15, they were in for a surprise when they not only heard nothing from the league, but heard about Grady’s return.
Grady (6’7″, 250) entered his eighth season in the arena business, but didn’t have the year he expected. Six games into the 2017 inaugural National Arena League (NAL) season, Grady suffered a torn ligament in his ankle/foot, ending his season.
In his six games, Grady had 71 completions for 1,060 yards and 23 touchdowns and one interception. The NAL MVP candidate slowly went down as the Monterrey Steel stopped his hot-streak and ended his season.
Beginning His Career
Grady started his career with the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz in 2009 and became the starter in 2010.
In 2011, he signed with the Utah Blaze and threw for over 100 touchdowns that season. The team landed at .500 as they finished the season 9-9.
In 2012, Grady returned to the Blaze, leading the team to a 12-6 record, throwing a league-record 142 touchdowns and 5,870 yards, another league-record. Grady also tied a league record for the most touchdowns passes in a game with 12 against the Cleveland Gladiators on July 13, 2012.
The later years
Grady signed with the Pittsburgh Power for the 2013 season. Grady threw 429-of-710 for 4,717 yards, 115 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions.
After the Power folded, the Sharks decided to snag the quarterback in 2015, where Grady threw 402-of-598 for 4,684 yards, 95 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
For the 2016 season, Grady threw 400-for-587 for 4,495 yards, 94 yards, and seven interceptions.
What are your thoughts about Grady returning to the Sharks for the 2018 season? Be sure to comment and let us and everyone else know. We’d like to hear your feedback.
