Firebirds Sign Former NFL Lineman, Waive Alfonzo
February 13, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Firebirds of the Arena Football League have signed offensive/defensive lineman Bill Duff to a one-year contract. Terms for the deal were not disclosed. Duff comes to the Firebirds after attending training with the Orlando Predators.
Duff (6-2, 280) is entering his first season in the Arena Football League, however he has an extensive amount of professional experience having played in the NFL, XFL, and NFL Europe. He spent the 1999 season with the NFL's Cleveland Browns, seeing action in five regular season games at defensive tackle and on special teams. Duff recorded his first NFL tackle in week 13 against the San Diego Chargers, before being released by the team at the conclusion of the season.
He spent the 2002 season as a member of the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe where he recorded 21 tackles (16 solo), two sacks, and three pass deflections, helping the Thunder win World Bowl X last June. Duff appeared in all ten games with the Orlando Rage of the now defunct XFL in 2001, accumulating 19 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and three pass deflections, leading a Rage defense that ranked third in the league against the run.
In other personnel moves, the Firebirds have waived wide receiver/defensive back DeJuan Alfonzo. A native of Indianapolis and a graduate of Indiana State, Alfonzo tallied 72.5 tackles, six interceptions, and 17 pass deflections during the 2002 season. Also, rookie quarterback David Priestley has opted to sign with the Scottish Claymores of NFL Europe. Priestly signed with the Firebirds as a street Free Agent in November and attended the team's training camp. He was a member of the team's practice squad for the first two weeks of the season before signing with the Claymores. Derrick Pickens, another member of the Firebirds practice squad, has signed with the Ottawa Renegades of the CFL.
The 2003 season marks the historical debut of the AFL on NBC. The network will broadcast 71 games this season, including all playoff games and ArenaBowl XVII on June 22. The Firebirds home opener is scheduled for this Sunday, February 16th versus the Chicago Rush live on NBC Sports. Firebirds' season tickets for the 2003 season are on sale now and can be purchased by calling a Firebirds' ticket representative at 317.472.8080. Firebirds merchandise is also available at Home Court Gift Shop. For merchandise information, please call 317.917.2755.
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