West Sacramento, CA - The River City Gators announced the signing of Sacramento native, and former NFL wide receiver, Paris Warren today.  The actual signing took place on the Gators' practice field Wednesday night at 8:30pm.  Warren was drafted in the seventh round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2005, and remained with the team until 2008.  Thereafter he spent time with the Dallas Cowboys (2008), again with Tampa Bay (2009), and the New Orleans Saints (2009).  He also played for the UFL's Orlando-based Florida Tuskers in 2009.

Prior to his professional career, Paris Warren attended for the University of Oregon, where, as a freshman, he played football for the Ducks.  In accordance with NCAA rules, he sat out the 2002 season after transferring to the University of Utah.  As a member of the Utes, Warren was named first team All-MWC in 2003, second team All-MWC in 2004, and he was named Offensive Co-MVP of the 2005 BCS Fiesta Bowl.  Warren finished that night with a Fiesta Bowl-record 15 receptions and 198 yards.  He also holds the University of Utah single-season reception record, logging 80 receptions during the 2004-05 season.

River City Gators Head Coach, Charlie Ruiz says the addition of Paris Warren "is really going to raise the level of motivation since he's coming from the pro leagues.  That someone of his caliber and talent is motivated to play at this level is really excites for me as well.  I mean if you're an offensive lineman, how do you not weant to block for this guy?"  On the topic of the team, Ruiz says, "we're going to have to make some moves and make some room, but I think the team is going to embrace it and move forward.  Hopefully they appreciate that we're constantly trying to better the team." 

River City Gators Co-Owner, and NCFL Co-Founder, Jason Kang, says "[the addition of Paris Warren] is going to raise the level of play from all of our players.  They'll be working with a guy who's been there and done that.  They'll have a chance to pick his brain.  They'll have a chance to develop beyond camps and tryouts.  This is good for us all the way around."  In terms of the NCFL, "to get a player with recent NFL experience and high caliber status adds to the legitimacy of what we're here to do: to cultivate and develop players, and to provide a professional environment for them to play in.  We believe that if you have a player like Paris Warren come to this league, than perhaps others like him will follow.  So hopefully this will begin to open some of those doors."

Paris Warren was unavailable for comment today.  An interview is planned for Friday, and both Charlie Ruiz and Jason Kang have indicated that he will be available to the media after the game versus the Stockton Trojans on Saturday night.

The NCFL is the nation's premier minor league football conference.  With players having moved on to the AFL and AIFA, and others attending NFL and UFL camps in the past, the league is highly competitive.  In fact, the league's top two teams, the Northbay Rattlers and the Pacifica Islanders, placed first and second at the 2009 minor league national championships in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Gators next game is Saturday, May 8th, at River City Stadium in West Sacramento.  Kickoff is scheduled for 6pm.  The Gators have announced a special offer exclusively available through Sacramento Press.  A "50% Off" coupon is included below.  Just print it out and bring it to the game for half off the price of admission.  To learn more about the River City Gators, please visit their website.