Predators re-sign and then lose White


Sunday August 5, 2007


ORLANDO, Fla. (August 4, 2007) -- Last January, the Arena Football League brought the league’s top quarterbacks to Orlando to film a spot for the Children’s Miracle Network. During a break in filming, talk among the signal callers turned to Predators lineman Greg White. The general consensus was that none of the quarterbacks particularly enjoyed playing against White and Philadelphia’s Tony Graziani noted that it would be best for all if “the NFL would sign him and get him out of our hair.”

They may get their wish.

Three days after signing a new two-year contract with the Predators, the reigning AFL Defensive Player of the Year signed with the Tampa Bay Bucs and reported to NFL training camp on Saturday. The Predators placed the star lineman on “Other League Exempt” to allow him an opportunity to make the Bucs roster.

White had a sensational year with the Predators in 2007, recording an AFL record 15 quarterback sacks and leading the league with six forced fumbles. His stats included 33.5 total tackles, 2 blocked kicks, 10 quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and two additional tackles for loss. He was named first team All-Arena and AFL Lineman of the Year in addition to capturing the Defensive Player of the Year award.

“I really wasn’t planning on leaving the Predators or the Arena Football League,” White said. “As far as trying to make an NFL roster, I’ve been there and done that…many times. But I think any athlete wants to compete at the highest level and this becomes my best chance to do so.”

“It’s a bittersweet development,” Predators head coach Jay Gruden said. “Professionally, we’re happy for Greg. I felt all along he has the ability to play at the highest level and now he will have that opportunity to prove it. On the other hand, he was a great Arena player and certainly creates a huge void in our defense.”

In other roster moves, the Predators released FB/LB Kevin Nagle. Nagle, the team’s starting fullback, was the team’s leading rusher with 155 yards and four touchdowns. He also played extensively on defense and special teams-- recording 15 tackles with a quarterback sack. Nagle joined the Predators midway through the 2006 season after starting his AFL career with Nashville. He also played three years in the “af2” league.