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Dillion Winfrey Named IFL Defensive Player of the Year

September 12, 2021 - Indoor Football League (IFL) News Release


PHOENIX, AZ. - After leading the Indoor Football League in numerous defensive categories, including recording a league-high 11 interceptions on the season, Arizona Rattlers defensive back Dillion Winfrey was named the IFL's 2021 Defensive Player of the Year.

The honor is Winfrey's first Defensive Player of the Year award of his career, and it comes on the heels of Winfrey garnering his first All-IFL First Team award at defensive back last week.

"I'm very happy for Dillion," Head Coach Kevin Guy said. "He has developed into the ultimate professional. From a street free agent we found at an open tryout, to Defensive Player of the Year, I could not be more ecstatic for him."

Winfrey led the IFL in passes defended (31), pass break-ups, (20) and interceptions (11) during the 2021 regular season, averaging near an interception per game. He finished the season with 59 total tackles (48 solo), an INT return for a TD, and one forced fumble. On the season, Winfrey took home IFL Defensive Player of the Week honors twice (Week 16, Week 18).

Winfrey's efforts on defense led the Rattlers to the second-best scoring defense (35.8 points per game) and interception total (17) in the league, and his interception total was more than double the next highest individual total in the IFL in 2021.

In the Rattlers home game against the Tucson Sugar Skulls on August 8, Winfrey tied the franchise record for most interceptions in a single game with three. Winfrey also had three-straight games with multiple interceptions and recorded 8 total interceptions over the last five games to end the regular season.

Thus far in the postseason, the Rattler defensive back has snagged two more interceptions to help lead the Rattlers to the United Bowl. With 13 total interceptions, Winfrey enters the United Bowl tied with Rattler great Marquis Floyd for the third-most single season interceptions in Rattler history.

"I've coached a lot of good football players through the years, but watching Dillion grow as a player and a person has been more than enjoyable," Guy said. "He's the kind of guy that'll be successful at whatever he chooses to do in life."

The IFL concludes the 2021 season on Sunday, September 12, when the top-seeded Arizona Rattlers host the second-seeded Massachusetts in the 2021 United Bowl. Kickoff from Footprint Center in Phoenix is 5:10 p.m. CT.

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