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AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

AFL Names Players of the Week

May 6, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


NEW YORK – Los Angeles Avengers offensive specialist CHRIS JACKSON, San Jose SaberCats defensive specialist/kick returner CLEVAN THOMAS and Tampa Bay Storm wide receiver/defensive back LAWRENCE SAMUELS have been named Offensive Player, ADT Defensive Player and Ironman of the Week, respectively, for Week 14 of the 2003 season.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Jackson (6-2, 204, Washington State), in his fourth AFL season, collected 10 receptions for 172 yards and six touchdowns in the Avengers' 63-49 victory over the Arizona Rattlers (8-6) on Sunday. The former Rookie of the Year and current candidate for Offensive Player of the Year leads the Avengers (10-4) in receptions (110), receiving yards (1,589) and touchdowns (45). Jackson is just one touchdown reception away from tying the League single-season record (46, Iowa's MIKE HORACEK in 2000 and New York's MIKE FURREY in 2003). This marks the fifth time Jackson has earned an AFL weekly honor.

ADT DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Thomas (5-10, 190, Florida State), who is in his second AFL season, led San Jose (10-4) on the defensive side of the ball in the SaberCats' 56-55 victory over the Central Division-leading Grand Rapids Rampage (9-5) on Sunday. The former Seminole recorded 3.5 total tackles, a forced fumble and an interception in a game that was decided in the closing seconds. The 2002 Defensive Player of the Year leads the League in interceptions (11), while tallying 33.0 total tackles, and 27 passes defended. This marks the second time in Thomas' career that he has earned an AFL weekly honor.

IRONMAN OF THE WEEK

Samuels (6-2, 200, Livingston), who is in his 10th AFL season, led Tampa Bay (10-3) with his two-way performance by hauling in an 11-yard touchdown reception in the Storm's 67-64 victory over the Dallas Desperados (8-6) on Sunday. On his way to garnering Ironman of the Game honors, the former All-Arena performer added an interception return for a touchdown, 3.0 total tackles and a fumble recovery. The Ironman of the Year candidate stopped Dallas QB JIM KUBIAK on a 4th-and-goal late in the fourth quarter as well as recovering an onside kick in the closing seconds to secure the victory. This marks the fifth time Samuels has earned an AFL weekly honor.

Offensive Player of the Week candidates included: Chicago's Antonio Chatman, Detroit's Ty Grovesteen, Georgia's Leon Murray, Georgia's Tyronne Jones, Los Angeles' Tony Graziani, Orlando's Jay Gruden, San Jose's Mark Grieb and Tampa Bay's John Kaleo.

ADT Defensive Player of the Week candidates include: Chicago's DeJuan Alfonzo, Las Vegas' T.J. Hill, Los Angeles' Damen Wheeler, New York's Donvetis Franklin, Orlando's Kenny McEntyre and Tampa Bay's Corey Sawyer.

Ironman of the Week candidates included: Chicago's Cornelius Bonner, Detroit 's Jason Kaiser, Georgia's Bret Cooper, Los Angeles' Siaha Burley, New York' s Chris Anthony, Orlando's Cory Fleming, San Jose's Barry Wagner and Tampa Bay's Antoine Toliver.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 6, 2003


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