Former Concordia University standout quarterback James McNear ('05) was named the United Indoor Football League (UIF) Most Improved Player for the 2008 season. McNear helped the Omaha Beef to a 10-4 record and a ninth consecutive playoff berth in the Beef's nine years in the UIF. McNear's head coach, Steve Warren, was also honored by the league as UIF Coach of the Year.
In just his second season with the Beef and third pro football season overall, McNear threw for 1,931 yards, completing 202-318 attempts along with 40 touchdown passes. He also led the team on the ground with 530 rushing yards and finished second on the team with 11 rushing touchdowns.
He also earned a UIF All-Star nod, with the all-star game being played July 19 at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa.
Beef Team President Dakota Crow was thrilled for McNear's accolade, "James came back to Omaha with a renewed sense of purpose this year and that has truly paid off. He has been a great asset to the Beef organization both on and off the field. With his natural ability, strong character and work ethic the sky is the limit for James in the future."
The playoffs begin this weekend as the Omaha Beef travel to Billings, Mont. to face the Outlaws at 8:05 p.m.
While at Concordia, McNear rewrote the CU record books and carved a name for himself as one of the most decorated quarterbacks in NCAA Division II football history. He was the first player in Division II history to have at least 9,000 passing yards (9,420) and 3,000 rushing yards (3,027) in a career. His 12,447 yards of total offense ranks fifth all-time and his 276.6 career yards per game average is 15th all-time. He is one of four players in Division II history to gain at least 2,500 yards of total offense all four years of his career and he is one of just 15 players ever to rush and pass for at least 1,000 yards in the same season.
For more information or to follow McNear with the Beef, visit www.beeffootball.com.
