For those of you that have watched Arena League football and have followed the Arizona Rattlers for some time, you will remember just how good they used to be. They were the gold standard in the league. Now the league is in its 25th year and naturally is celebrating.
As part of their celebrations, the league counted down the top 25 quarterbacks in AFL history. The top QB is who made a name for himself in he AFL and was probably the biggest reason why the Arizona Rattlers were so good. It is Sherdrick Bonner.
Bonner spent 14 seasons under center for the Arizona Rattlers. The five-time All-Arena selection was named MVP of ArenaBowl VIII. In all, he led the Rattlers to five ArenaBowl appearances and two championship wins. With 42,246 career passing yards, 855 touchdowns and 3,350 completions, Bonner ranks in the top five in virtually every career passing category. In 2010, the Rattlers retired his number 13 jersey.
Bonner was amazing. He had amazing help on offense, as he played with Hunkie Cooper and others.
But what is equally impressive is his longevity in the game. He played for 14 years for the Rattlers.
The Arena League is not what it used to be, especially here in Phoenix. However, when watching the Cardinals and Sun Devils play football was a chore back in the day, there were the Rattlers. Yes, they played a different style of football, but they were good, were entertaining and were successful.
Bonner was the unquestioned leader. And while it is a minor sport, it is nice to see an athlete who played here get recognized for something. Bonner definitely deserves it.