Al Louis-Jean Re-Signs with Pirates
November 20, 2019 - National Arena League (NAL)
Massachusetts Pirates News Release
The Massachusetts Pirates have re-signed former NFL defensive back Al Louis-Jean for the upcoming season. Last year with he Pirates, Louis-Jean appeared in eight games making nine and a half tackles along with breaking up one pass. He also had three assists in the Pirates playoff game in Carolina.
The 6'2", 190 lbs. DB said his teammates were the top reason he is coming back to play with the Pirates is 2020.
"I feel like we had something good going during last season. We felt like after that playoff loss we left a lot on the table. We feel like we have a chance to win a championship," he said.
Last season was Louis-Jean's first year playing arena football, but he adapted quickly.
"It's a different game of football but if you love football, you'll love arena football. It's a quicker, faster game, much faster paced than other games. All in all, it's an extremely fun game, even with the wall. When you play it, it's more fun than it looks. I had a great experience in my first year. I'm just looking forward to my second year, staying healthy the whole season and have a great year," he added.
Jawad Yatim, Pirates President and General Manager hopes his "home grown" defensive back can contribute more this season.
"Al was a rookie last year in the arena game and was battling injuries throughout the season, I felt that had held him back from really being able to do the type of things he had hoped to do last year. He's a long, athletic corner who in my opinion will benefit from a full year in our system. He's a versatile for us in the sense that he can potentially play both ways for if need be. We're glad to have Al back on board," Yatim said.
Louis-Jean was born in Boston and grew up in Brockton, MA. At Brockton High in 2010 he was a Super 26 All-State selection and earned honors as a defensive back from the Boston Globe and the Boston Heard. He committed to the University of Miami but then had a change of heart and stayed home, taking his talents to Boston College. He saw action in ten games his freshman year, missed his second season and came back in year three, taking the field in 11 games. In his 21 games he notched 36 tackles and then declared himself eligible for the NFL Draft. Despite not being drafted, Louis -Jean was able to sign a free agent contract with the Chicago Bears. He was promoted to the practice squad and later was activated, seeing the field in nine games in 2014 where he recorded nine tackles and broke up one pass.
In 2015 he signed on to the practice squad with the Washington Redskins. A short stint with the Miami Dolphins followed in 2016 and then in 2017 he went north of the border to the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League. He later took part in the Spring League in Texas.
Louis-Jean likes the fact that his family and friend now get to see him play in his home state of Massachusetts.
"Any support I can get feels good and it's more convenient obviously just bring down the road in Worcester, so that's a great thing," Louis-Jean said.
In 2020 Louis-Jean is looking to play a major role as a leader, on and off the field as the Pirates look for their first ever National Arena League title.
"When it comes to the Pirates, we want nothing less than a championship. It just takes focusing on those small details from the start rather than later. Attention to detail shows up on every play in every game. As for myself, I just want to have a huge impact on the team. Last year I was battling injuries and was limited. This year I have extremely high goals for myself and I'm confident that I'll reach them. Whatever role is given to me I'll take it, but I'm looking to take more initiative this season to assert myself in different ways on and off the field for the benefit of the team. Just having been to the pros (NFL); this year I know what the team needs and what's needed to win championships, so I'll just fill in the best way I can. I won't reach too far but I'll give extra effort to pitch in and I'll embrace that role. I expect more from myself than anyone else," he said.
The Massachusetts Pirates are members of the National Arena League (NAL). The Pirates play all home games at the DCU Center located at 50 Forster St. Worcester, MA, 01608. Pirates season tickets for the 2020 season are now available starting at $99.00. For more information on the Massachusetts Pirates please call (508) 452-MASS (6277), email contact@masspiratesfootball.com or visit www.masspiratesfootball.com. Follow the Pirates on Facebook, at Facebook.com/MAPirates, on Instagram @mass.pirates, as well as on Twitter @mass_pirates.
National Arena League Stories from November 20, 2019
- Pirates Re-Sign LB Kavika Luafatasaga - Massachusetts Pirates
- Al Louis-Jean Re-Signs with Pirates - Massachusetts Pirates
- Cobras Sign Kicker T.C. Stevens - Carolina Cobras
- Jacksonville Re-Signs Quarterback Mike Fafaul - Jacksonville Sharks
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