Jan. 8, 2003

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - From his hometown of Springfield, Ill., University of Illinois junior placekicker Peter Christofilakos announced that he will make himself eligible for early entry in the NFL, forgoing his senior year as an Illini.

Christofilakos, a walk-on, has been part of Illinois' kicking tandem, along with senior-to-be John Gockman, for the past two seasons. He broke an Illinois school record this season with his 69 consecutive extra points made, every one of his career. His streak also ranks seventh in the Big Ten. Christofilakos was also 9 of 12 on field goal attempts in 2002, hitting a career-long 44-yarder vs. Michigan in Memorial Stadium.

In 2001, Christofilakos was named second-team All-Big Ten by both the coaches and media as a sophomore. He was also a Lou Groza Award semifinalist after making 12 of 13 field goals and 29 PATs.

STATEMENT FROM CHRISTOFILAKOS:
"After a great deal of consideration with my family over the last few months, I have decided that putting my name in the 2003 NFL Draft is the best decision for me at this time in my career," Christofilakos said. "I feel this is the right time for me to leave the U of I because I will be graduating this spring with a bachelor's degree in Sports Management. I am very happy with what I have accomplished at the U of I, and feel I am ready to move onto the next level. After looking at my options, this year seems to hold great hope for kickers in the NFL Draft.

I have been very lucky to have the Springfield Community behind me all these years. I feel that I have been very fortunate with the coaches I have had throughout my career, both in soccer and football. I would especially like to thank Coach Leonard for supporting me not only through high school, but also my college career. I would also like to thank one special person, Mr. Jack Watson, who has been so kind, supporting, and my biggest fan the last four years at the U of I.

With God's help, whether I kick in the NFL or not, I will come back home to Springfield in the future and try to help younger people in this community. That will be my way of repaying my community for everything they have done for me."

###GO ILLINI###