January 13th, 2009

Hoffman Estates, IL -- The Chicago Slaughter of the Continental Indoor Football League, is proud to announce the signing of Reggie "Big Play" Gray, who previously was a member of the Chicago Rush (AFL). A native of Chicago and graduate of Morgan Park High School, Gray, 24, is being counted on to provide some big plays as one of the team's starting wide receivers in the 2009 season. Gray is now reunited with his former college teammate from Western Illinois University, Russ Michna, who signed a contract last week with the Slaughter after a successful 2008 season with the Chicago Rush.

"We are very excited to have Reggie on board," said Alan Perkins, General Manager for the Chicago Slaughter. "He is an incredible athlete and will be a perfect fit for the Slaughter. Reggie's experience with the Chicago Rush in 2008 will help him and should give him some chemistry with some of the other Rush players we have signed or are in the process of signing."

The 5'10", 175-pound Gray was a member of the Rush's practice squad for the 2008 season. Upon the completion of the Rush season, he competed in the final two games of the AFL2 season with the Peoria Pirates. In those two games, he racked up 189 yards receiving on 18 catches to go along with two touchdowns.

During the 2007 season, Gray played for the Bloomington Thunder of the United Indoor Football League where he placed in the top 5 of every statistical category in the league. In the 17 games he started, Gray hauled in 78 catches for 839 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also returned 24 kicks for 281 yards.

Gray is a graduate of Western Illinois University, where he broke records in every wide receiver category in school history, as well as a few kick return records. He still is a record holder in several categories to this date. Most notably, Gray is the WIU current all-time Leading receiver in receptions and yardage. Gray finished his career at Western Illinois as the school's all-time leading receiver with 2,372 yards on 137 receptions.

"It's a honor to continue to play professional football, and it's a double honor to be able to continue my career in the place where I was born and raised in the city of Chicago," said Gray. "The Slaughter is a great organization and since I am a Chicago native as well a Chicago fan, it would do me great pleasure to help bring a title to the best City in the world."

The Slaughter will host their second and final Free Agent Tryout Camp at the Finish Strong Sports Complex in West Chicago on Saturday, January 17th from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM for players ages 19 and over. Participants will be evaluated by former Chicago Bears Marcus Robinson and Mickey Pruitt, along with the entire Slaughter Coaching Staff.

The 2009 Chicago Slaughter home season kicks off on Friday, March 6th at 7:00 at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. "The Slaughter would like to offer all of our fans the chance of attending opening night and the team will provide a special discount on all of our upper level seats" said Slaughter Team President Gerry Clarke. "We would also like to invite all of the Chicago Rush fans an opportunity to come watch QB Russ Michna lead our team to the 2009 CIFL Championship," he added.

For more information, please call the Slaughter at (847)310-3190 or visit www.ChicagoSlaughter.com.

Slaughter Sign CIFL Standout "Action" Jackson
For More Information, Contact Alan Perkins at 847-310-3190/847-812-9361

12-1-08
Hoffman Estates, Illinois.  With what has been an extremely busy off season, the Slaughter have continued to ramp things up for the 2009 season with several signings, including the addition of Slaughter veteran WR, Dontrell Jackson.  Jackson, a Chicago-land native, played his High School Football at Thornton High School, in Harvey, Illinois.  While at Thornton, Jackson won the honor of being selected as the South Suburban Football Player of the Year and was a member of the Illinois All-State team.  Jackson was also selected by Tom Lemming as one of the top 100 football players in America in 1999. 

After finishing up at Thornton, Jackson was quickly scooped up by Ohio University, where he was a 4 year starting QB, playing and starting in all 48 games of his college career.  Jackson was a former pre-season concensus All-American in 2001.

After his collegiate career, Jackson moved on to play two seasons with the Green Bay Blizzard (AF2), in 2005 and 2006.  While in Green Bay, he played WR, DB, and was also a backup QB.  Jackson was named defensive player of the game, 5 times in 2 years, and he played a significant role in helping his team reach the Arena Cup Championship in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 2006.

In 2007, Dontrell Jackson decided to return to Chicago to play for the Slaughter.  In his 2 seasons in Chicago, Jackson has become the Slaughters’ all time leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.  In 2008, Jackson was ranked in the top 5 in all statistical categories among wide receivers in the C.I.F.L. (receptions, receiving yards and receiving TD’s).

"I am extremely happy to announce that Dontrell Jackson is returning to the Slaughter for the 2009 season", said Slaughter GM, Alan Perkins.  "While Dontrell can play many positions on the football field, we feel that he has proven that he is one of the most electrifying players to play wide receiver that this league has ever seen", added Perkins.
There is still time to order your season tickets to see all the exciting action.  Call 847-310-3190 to get your season tickets now!

Former NFL Fullback Joins Slaughter

11-13-08
Hoffman Estates, Illinois. With the addition of former NFL greats such as Jim McMahon and Otis Wilson joining the Slaughter as staff members, the Slaughter have decided to pursue upgrades on the playing field as well.  On November 3rd the Slaughter inked a deal with JR Niklos.  While Niklos may not be a household name in Chicago like McMahon or Wilson, he certainly does boast an impressive football pedigree.  John Russell Niklos (born, June 19, 1979 in Worthington, Ohio) has played Corner, Safety, Linebacker, Tight End, Fullback, H-Back, and Tailback in his collegiate and professional career. J.R. played High School football and ran track for Thomas Worthington High School where he was a All American in both Track and Football. J.R. won the indoor track state championship in the 200 and 4x400 and his 4x400 team also won the Ohio state championship and placed second in the nation at the National Championship. He was all state, all region and all district for Football as well as an Honorable Mention All American. Safety was his first position as a collegiate athlete, at The Ohio State University. Niklos played one season for the Buckeyes and soon thereafter transferred to Western Illinois University where he was a 3 time All American Tight End. J.R. finished his career at Western Illinois, statistically as the top Tight End in W.I.U. history.

After college, Niklos signed a free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks. He was placed on The Seattle Seahawks practice squad. In 2002 Niklos signed with the St. Louis Rams.  The Rams moved J.R. to the active roster due to the retirement of former Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch. He then was a member of the St. Louis Rams between 2002 and 2005 where Mike Martz labeled him "The Fastest Fullback In The NFL".  JR then played a season in Germany with NFL Europa and helped win a World Bowl with the Frankfurt Galaxy with a 12 yard touchdown scamper.  Due to the cancellation of NFL Europa, Niklos returned to the United States, and signed with the Cleveland Browns. Niklos also spent time with the Oakland Raiders and was on Injured Reserve with the Kansas City Chiefs.

"The Slaughter are extremely proud to add an athlete like JR Nikos", said Slaughter GM Alan Perkins.  "JR is not only a tremendous running back, but is also very capable of playing just about any other position on the football field, including wide receiver", added Perkins.  At 6’2 and weighing 230 pounds, Niklos adds size and speed to the Slaughter lineup. 

Slaughter announce player signings

11-10-08
Hoffman Estates, Illinois.  While most people are gearing up for the holiday’s and planning vacations, the Slaughter and head coach Steve "Mongo" McMichael have been busy working, and trying to figure out how to bring home the CIFL crown in 2009.  The first of these steps, was the Slaughters’ first of two, tryout camps, which took place at the McCook Athletic Center on November 9th.  With Steve McMichael and newly acquired assistant, Mickey Pruitt (Chicago Bears & Dallas Cowboys) on hand, the Slaughter had a very successful tryout camp.

The Chicago Slaughter have begun their journey into the 2009 season, by signing several returning Slaughter veterans, along with some newly acquired free agents.  Among the player signings are returning veteran offensive linemen Rasche Hill and Jon Binish.  Hill, a former NIU Husky, is happy to be back in a Slaughter uniform and has his eyes focused on winning a championship.  The 6’6, 335 pound Hill was a 3 year letterman at NIU with experience in the indoor game as well.  After graduating NIU in 01, Hill went to camp with the Jacksonville Jaguars.  With things not working out in Jacksonville, Hill decided to stay active in the game and moved on in 2002 to the Peoria Pirates (AF2).  Hill remained with the Pirates for 2 years and then moved on to the Quad Cities to play with the Steamwheelers (AF2) in the 04-05 season.  In 2008 Rasche signed with the Slaughter and had an outstanding year.  The other key returning offensive lineman is Center Jon Binish.  The 6’2, 310 pound Binish won all conference honors in both 2003 and 2004 for Carthage College and also set a school record with 43 games started.  Binish has played for the Slaughter in both 2007 and 2008, being a staple on the offensive line.  "Jon and Rasche are, without question, two of the most dominant offensive linemen in the league (CIFL) and we expect their dominance to continue into 2009", said line coach Chris VanStone.

The Slaughter have always felt that protecting the quarterback is extremely important.  "Look at Tom Brady", said Slaughter GM, Alan Perkins.  "He is a tremendous quarterback, but without that line in front of him, he would not have accomplished nearly what he has", continued Perkins.  "While we value all positions on the football field, we feel it is extremely important to make sure we have not only great players on the offensive line, but also have depth, as well".

Other Slaughter signings include Willie Tolon – Wide Receiver, James Cichon – Linebacker, Paul Savich – Place Kicker, Jason Baksas – Offensive Lineman, and Dustin Huff – Quarterback.  Some Slaughter fans may recognize Tolon, as in the 2008 season he played for the Raptors and gave the Slaughter defense all it could handle with his tremendous speed and "play making" ability.

General Manager, Alan Perkins, looks to have more news on the horizon and has asked Slaughter fans to keep their eye out for it.  "We are in negotiations with some big time play makers", said Perkins.  "Some of the athletes that we are planning on signing in the upcoming weeks will be difference makers on this team and will make an impact on the CIFL.  It’s my job to build a champion and that is exactly what I intend to do", added Perkins.

The Slaughter play all home games at the Sears Centre, in Hoffman Estates.  All home games to be broadcast on Comcast in 2009.