COMPETITION FOR DAUNTE! NIGHTHAWKS SIGN FORMER 49ERS QB JEFF GARCIA

    OMAHA, Neb. (Aug. 18, 2010) - The Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League today announced the signing of quarterback Jeff Garcia. The UFL expansion team welcomes the former San Francisco 49ers star and four-time Pro Bowl selection to Omaha as head coach Jeff Jagodzinski prepares to open training camp this week.
    Garcia played five seasons with the 49ers during an illustrious career that includes time spent with the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was MVP of the 1998 Grey Cup and a four-time all-star in the Canadian Football League while playing for the Calgary Stampeders.
    “I am delighted to sign a clearly talented veteran quarterback who will bring experience and a winning mentality to our team,” said coach Jagodzinski. “Jeff is a one of the game’s true competitors and will have a positive impact on his teammates and will be an exciting player for the Nighthawks fans to cheer at Rosenblatt Stadium.”
    Garcia is one of only eight quarterbacks in NFL history who have achieved back-to-back 30-touchdown passing seasons (2000 and 2001) at least once in their career. He was voted to three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2000 to 2002, and was honored again in 2007 as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
    “I am so ready and excited to be heading to the great city of Omaha to represent the Nighthawks of the United Football League,” said Garcia. “I know that the state of Nebraska has a great passion for football and I can already see that the people of Omaha have fully embraced the Nighthawks. I still have the drive, commitment, and ability to play this game at the highest level and one thing that I definitely share with the people of Omaha is a passion for the game. I look forward to sharing these future experiences with the Nighthawks' great fans.”
    The Mountain Lions visit Omaha on Oct. 2 and then host the Nighthawks at Hornet Field on Nov. 13.