Rush signs new pass-catch combo
The Matt D'Orazio-to-Bobby Sippio connection helped the Chicago Rush to an ArenaBowl title two years ago and 12 regular-season victories last season.
The Rush hopes the Sherdrick Bonner-to-Damian Harrell combination will be just as effective. The Rush announced the signings of Bonner and Harrell on Tuesday at Mike Ditka's Restaurant.
Bonner, a 15-year veteran who had played his entire career with Arizona, was the No. 8 selection on the AFL's 20 Greatest Players of All Time List. Bonner, whose first name is pronounced Cedric, led Arizona to a pair of ArenaBowl titles and is second in career touchdown passes (829).
Harrell played the last five seasons for Colorado, where he established himself as perhaps the league's top offensive specialist. He ranks second in career touchdown receptions (295) and third in receiving yards (11,881).
Bonner and Harrell were signed to two- and three-year contracts, respectively.
The Rush was forced to look for a new offensive specialist after Sippio was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs. In all likelihood, Sippio will be playing in the NFL for the near future.
The move at quarterback was more of a surprise. D'Orazio sustained a back injury during the Rush's playoff run and had surgery July 20. The Rush decided to sign Bonner, 38, who is coming off an 83-touchdown, 13-interception season, because they were unsure about D'Orazio's status.
"We couldn't wait until the beginning of January to make a move at the position," coach Mike Hohensee said.
D'Orazio, who said in a phone interview that he was released by the Rush, is optimistic about his rehabilitation. He hopes to begin throwing by November. He plans to sign with another team and expects to be at or near 100 percent by training camp.
"I thought I would be going back to Chicago," D'Orazio said. "I was surprised, but I don't have any bad feelings. It's part of the business. You move on, and that's what we're doing."
Before signing with the Rush, Bonner had not given a great deal of thought to playing for another team.
"This was just a tremendous opportunity for me," he said. "There's a top-notch defense here; all the pieces are in place. I want to win a championship."