TAMPA – Coming off of an impressive rookie campaign, the 2007 Co-Rookie of the Year QB Brett Dietz signed a three year deal with the Tampa Bay Storm, announced General Manager and Head Coach Tim Marcum.
“This was an opportunity to keep one of the premier young quarterbacks in the AFL with our team,” said Marcum. “Brett was still in his rookie contract and not only did we want to keep him here in Tampa, we wanted to restructure his contract and ensure his compensation was commensurate with his new level of accomplishment.”
Dietz, 6-foot-4, 220-pounds, began his rookie campaign on the preseason roster of the 2006 World Champion Chicago Rush and was cut at the end of the preseason. Shortly after leaving Chicago he landed on the practice squad of the Kansas City Brigade. Dietz spent the first seven weeks of the 2007 AFL trying to break into the Brigade active roster.
“I was working hard, learning, studying and playing my butt of in practice,” said Dietz. “I was just looking to get an opportunity.”
The Storm entered into its bye week, Week 8, with then-starter Stoney Case injured for the season. Looking to add depth to the quarterback position Tampa Bay claimed Dietz off of the Brigade practice squad. After John Kaleo went down the following week with a season ending injury against Columbus, Dietz got his long awaited opportunity.
After making his AFL debut in Week 9, Dietz grabbed the opportunity and never looked back. His 119.43 passer rating tied the second highest by a rookie quarterback in the AFL and his 65.9 completion percentage is the highest ever by a rookie as well as the highest by any quarterback in franchise history. He went on to earn AFL Rookie of the Month for May and June, AFL Offensive Player of the Week (Week14), AFLWA Player of the Week (Week 14) and AFL All-Rookie honors.
“I was excited to have a full season ahead of me,” added Dietz. “Now I can look forward to playing here for years to come. My wife and I are excited to be a part of the Tampa Bay community.”
The 2007 AFL Co-Rookie of the Year began his professional career in Finland (2004) prior to joining the Cincinnati Marshalls of the National Indoor Football League (2005). Dietz then moved on to play af2 with the Louisville Fire where he earned af2 Spalding Rookie of the Year and first team American Conference All-af2 honors.
The 2008 Tampa Bay Storm Season kicks of with the beginning a three day mini-camp on Thursday, February 7 followed by the start of training camp on Monday, February 11. Fans can get a preview of the 2008 Storm team Thursday, February 21 as Tampa Bay hosts a scrimmage against the Orlando Predators. Join the excitement as season tickets for the upcoming 2008 Tampa Bay Storm season are now on sale stating at $99. For more information call 813.301.6780.
