Arena Football League Announce 2019 All-Arena Teams
August 1, 2019 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Albany Empire News Release
ALBANY - The Arena Football League today announced the 2019 First and Second All-Arena teams. All six of the League's teams are represented on either the first or second teams, a nod to the strength of talent spread throughout the League. Of the 37 players named, 10 find their way to a 2019 All-Arena Team for the first time in their career.
The Albany Empire (10-2) led the way with 11 of its players selected to All-Arena teams, with 9 first-team selections. The Baltimore Brigade (7-5) saw eight total selections, with four players selected to both the first and second teams. The Philadelphia Soul (7-5) finished with six total selections, three to each team. Both the Washington Valor (7-5) and the Atlantic City Blackjacks (4-8) finished with four total selections to the second team. The Columbus Destroyers (1-11) finished with three All-Arena selections, two to the first team and one to the second team.
The League's top-ranked offense Albany Empire had six offensive first team selections. Empire QB Tommy Grady earned his third First Team All-Arena selection after leading the League in passing yards (3097), passing touchdowns (68) and QB rating (125.5). Grady is joined on the first team by teammate receivers, Quentin Sims and Malachi Jones. This duo was nearly unstoppable this season; Jones led the League in receptions (96) and receiving yards (1440), while Sims led the League in receiving touchdowns (29). Ryan Cave and Jordan Mudge took two of the three offensive linemen spots on the First Team All-Arena list as members of an offensive front that allowed a mere two sacks all season. Fullback Mykel Benson was named First Team All-Arena for the third time in his career, leading all fullbacks in rushing yards (130). Offensive lineman, Moqut Ruffins, earned Second Team All-Arena honors marking the second time in his career the lineman was named to an All-Arena team.
The Empire showcased two members of its defense on the First Team All-Arena list. Jack linebacker, Terence Moore, earned his second consecutive First Team All-Arena selection after tying for the League lead in fumble recoveries (2) while compiling three interceptions and one sack. Defensive linemen, Joe Sykes, earned his fifth First Team All-Arena selection. The League's all-time career sack leader led the League in tackles for loss (9) and ranked second overall in sacks (6.5) to go along with two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one touchdown. Rookie defensive back, Tevin Homer, was selected to the Second Team All-Arena list after leading the League in total tackles (85.5), a whopping 22 tackles more than the next closest defender.
Empire kicker, Adrian Trevin, earned First Team All-Arena kicker for the second time in his career. Trevino converted on 80 of his 83 PAT attempts (96%) and moved into top ten on the League's all-time list for extra point percentage.
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Ballots were distributed amongst coaches, PR staff members, broadcast members and appointed media members. Individuals who work for teams were not allowed to vote for players on their respective teams. All other awards will be announced through August 10 leading up to ArenaBowl 32.
Tickets for the August 11 ArenaBowl championship game are on sale now by calling 518-533-2200, by going to TheAlbanyEmpire.com, or by stopping by the Empire office located in the Times Union Center. A limited number of great seats are still available!
Albany Empire 2019 Season Presented By CDPHP.
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Arena Football League Stories from August 1, 2019
- Arena Football League Announce 2019 All-Arena Teams - Albany Empire
- Blackjacks Place Four on All-Arena Teams - Atlantic City Blackjacks
- Seven Brigade Players Selected to AFL All-Arena Teams - Baltimore Brigade
- Four Valor Players Named to 2019 All-Arena Team - Washington Valor
- Soul Place Seven on All-Arena Teams - Philadelphia Soul
- Arena Football League Announces 2019 All-Arena Selections - Columbus Destroyers
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