Rick Hamilton - Football (1989-92) - Class of 2006
Rick Hamilton was a standout linebacker for the Knights from 1989-92 and is the school's all-time leader in tackles with 443. He recorded more than 100 tackles three of his four seasons and has the second-highest single-season tackle total with 149. He is tied for seventh all-time for tackles in a game with 21 vs. Liberty in 1992. He holds the school record for the longest interception return (97-yard touchdown). He is tied for third in career interceptions with eight.
Hamilton was drafted in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. After a four-year NFL career with the Washington Redskins, Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets, Hamilton played with the Predators from 1998-2001. After spending one season as an assistant coach, Hamilton returned briefly as a player in the 2003 season.
A six-year member of the Orlando Predators, he was the 1998 Arena Bowl MVP and also earned a spot on the 1998 Arena Football League All-Rookie Team.
Hamilton finished his AFL career as Orlando's all-time leading rusher with 728 yards. His 25 career rushing touchdowns ranks second on the Predators all-time list, while his 97 career tackles ranks 10th.
As a member of the Predators, Hamilton played a key role in three consecutive ArenaBowl appearances and two titles won by Orlando from 1998-2000. As a rookie in 1998, Hamilton turned in an outstanding performance in ArenaBowl XII - rushing for a AFL post-season record 81 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Predators to a stunning 62-31 upset of top-seeded Tampa Bay.
In that championship game, Hamilton scored on runs of 36, 10, and 5 yards. His first touchdown came on a fourth one play late in the second quarter and gave the Predators a 24-17 lead in the game.