Utah Blaze sign QB Tommy Grady to max contract

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Blaze announced late Thursday night the signing of reigning league MVP Tommy Grady to the maximum 3-year contract allotted by the Arena Football League.

"I feel real good, I feel relieved," Grady said. "It's kind of a stressful process — talking to the team back and forth for the last month and finally to get something worked out takes a lot of stress off to be here for the next three years."

Grady led Utah to a 13-7 record in 2012, its best mark in franchise history, two years removed from a 2-14 record. The Blaze were one minute away from advancing to ArenaBowl XXV, but ultimately fell 75-69 in the National Conference Championship.

"I think the biggest part returning was being comfortable being here and having great people in the Blaze organization," Grady said. "I think everyone is real excited (and) hopefully we can win a championship next year."

The former University of Utah quarterback broke nearly every single-season passing records and led the AFL in nine statistical categories.

The team will make an official announcement of the signing Friday.

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