Rush bolsters defense with return of Baron

Defensive lineman James Baron, regarded as one of the best nose tackles to play in the Arena Football League, has signed a two-year contract to return to the Chicago Rush.

Baron (6-4, 255, Virginia Tech) enters the 2008 season ranked second in AFL history with 46.5 career sacks.

Now in his 12th year in the league, Baron has played in 161 games, recording 144.5 tackles along with his 46.5 sacks. He is a two-time AFL Lineman of the Year (1998 and 2001) and a former AFL Defensive Player of the Year (1999). He was voted to the AFL's All-Arena team six times, most recently in 2002.

"The entire team is excited about James Baron's return," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "He already is very familiar with our system and, at this point in his career, he is still a very effective player."

"Growing up in Hammond, Indiana, I will always consider Chicago my home, and I am excited to come back to familiar territory," said Baron.

Baron began his AFL career in 1997 with the Nashville Kats. After five seasons in Nashville he signed as free agent with the Rush, playing three seasons in Chicago (2002-2004). After the 2004 season, Baron was traded back to Nashville, where he played from 2005-2007.