MLN Sports Zone - Minor League Sports Magazine

Daring Defenses for a Decade
Bonner Leads AFL's Rattlers in Valley of the Sun

Nine seasons in Phoenix, Arizona, nine postseasons. Three ArenaBowl appearances. Two championship rings. One man.

Now in his 10th AFL season, Arizona Rattlers quarterback Sherdrick Bonner, 34, has carved an impressive pro football career since 1992 - a resume
worthy of Hall of Fame consideration.

His name is already engraved in AFL annals. Bonner's career totals rank
among the top five in all passing categories. Last month, he became just
the third quarterback to eclipse the 24,000-yard mark (24,351), and moved
into third place for career touchdowns (474).

Win or lose, Bonner can be seen on the sidelines after every game, chatting
with fans, brandishing his trademark smile and signing autographs.

"He is such a great example in terms of his work ethic and the way he
conducts himself as a team representative," said Arizona head coach Danny
White, Bonner's AFL coach since day one.

Involved in many charitable appearances throughout the Valley, Bonner helped
start the Arizona Rattlers' R.E.S.P.E.C.T. program in schools and spends his
offseason as a color analyst for local High School football games.

Bonner has been a mainstay with the Rattlers since joining the team prior to
their inaugural season in 1992. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound lefty has had
numerous opportunities with other Leagues, but his career path invariably
leads him back to the AFL and sunny Phoenix.

"The overall camaraderie here (in the AFL) is tremendous," said Bonner.
"Guys care about each other and players on other teams spend time together.
It's a brotherhood of guys who love to play football."

Bonner has suited up for the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, and
San Diego Chargers, which all were rewarding in different ways. His brief
tenure in Atlanta led to his being on the sidelines for Super Bowl XXXIII.

As the Falcons third quarterback, he played a small role, which didn't
satisfy his competitive nature.

"The (Super Bowl) moment was unbelievable because of all the hype, but it
doesn't compare to our first ArenaBowl championship (in 1994)," said Bonner.
"Nothing can compare to us going to Orlando as 12-point underdogs and
winning the ArenaBowl."

As an all-time AFL quarterbacks great, Bonner compliments San Jose's Mark
Grieb, New York's Aaron Garcia and Grand Rapids' Clint Dolezel as among the best in the AFL today.

"(They) are great players because of their quick decision-making abilities,"
he said. "Aaron (Garcia) gets it done, and makes good reads. They understand
the game and their numbers prove it."

Bonner, who has been named Offensive Player of the Week twice this season,
also continues to earn praise from around the League and his competitors.

"He was the guy that probably influenced me the most into coming to the
Arena Football League," said Los Angeles Avengers quarterback Tony Graziani. "I played with him in Atlanta back in 1998. He was the guy that I looked to for advice. Since we are both left-handed, I'm able to study him."

"To me, he's always been one of the best, if not the best, in the League,"
said Garcia, who started ahead of Bonner in Arizona in 1995.

Bonner remains grateful for the opportunities the AFL has afforded him,
including the chance to continue a role in football from the sidelines when
his days in his black, teal, and copper Rattlers uniform come to a close.

"This is where I wanted to finish my career," Bonner said. "I'll probably
play out (my contract) and move into coaching. When the time comes, I'll see
how the body feels, but this contract will likely be my last one."