Former NFL and Stanford LB Thomas Keiser Joins SaberCats
December 3, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose SaberCats continued to build out their roster in Arena Football free agency, picking up former NFL and Stanford linebacker Thomas Keiser and offensive lineman Matt Armstrong. The team also announced defensive back Justin Green has been placed the other league exempt list, as he signed with the practice squad of the New England Patriots of the National Football League.
"Keiser has proven at every level that he knows how to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks," said Owner and Head Coach Darren Arbet. "Armstrong was one of the top centers in the country last year, and we are excited about adding his skill and potential to our offensive line."
Keiser (6-3, 265, Stanford) will be a rookie in the AFL after spending four seasons in the NFL. He signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2011, where he appeared in eight games and recorded 13 tackles (12 solo), four sacks, two pass breakups and one interception. The following season in 2012, Keiser saw action in four games for Carolina, notching four tackles (two solo) and a half sack. In 2013, he signed with the San Diego Chargers, where he appeared in 12 games and recorded 21 tackles (17 solo), four-and-a-half sacks, two pass breakups and a Week 15 game-sealing interception off of Peyton Manning. In 2014, Keiser signed with the Arizona Cardinals, where he appearing in three games while notching two tackles (one solo) and one pass breakup.
Keiser played three seasons of college football at Stanford University. For his career, he recorded 108 tackles (67 solo) along with 19.5 career sacks, one forced fumble and one interception.
Armstrong (6-2, 305, Grand Valley State) will also be entering his rookie season in the AFL. Earlier in 2014, he signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent. Armstrong started 48 games over the course of his college career, and was named First-Team All-Great Lakes three times. As a senior in 2013, he was named the GLIAC Offensive lIneman of the Year and took home the Rimington Award as the top Division II Center in the country.
Green (5-11, 200, Illinois) was assigned to the SaberCats in November. He returns to New England, where he originally signed as an undrafted free agent and saw game action twice in 2013. Earlier this year, Green was traded from New England to the Dallas Cowboys.
Arena Football League Stories from December 3, 2014
- Thunder Add DL/LB Hayes - Portland Thunder
- Former NFL and Stanford LB Thomas Keiser Joins SaberCats - San Jose SaberCats
- SaberCats DB Kenny Okoro Signs with NFL's Washington Redskins - San Jose SaberCats
- Monsters & Gladiators Team with McDonald's to Benefit RMHC - Cleveland Gladiators
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