Gladiators announce team award winners
June 3, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Las Vegas Gladiators News Release
Las Vegas, NV, June 3, 2004 â The Las Vegas Gladiators announced the team's fourth annual team award winners at a dinner on Tuesday night. Offensive specialist Marcus Nash was named as the team's Most Valuable Player, wide receiver/defensive back Dennison Robinson earned the team's Ironman Award, fullback/linebacker Frank Carter was selected as the Lineman of the Year and Rod Robinson and Desmond earned coaches awards.
Nash (6-4, 225, Tennessee), in his first season in Las Vegas, set a new AFL record with 154 receptions for 1,771 yards and he tied the AFL record for touchdown receptions when he hauled in his 46th touchdown in the final contest of the season. The former NFL first-round draft choice also led the AFL in numerous offensive categories including scoring (300 points), first downs (112), third down receiving (33 receptions for 419 yards - 11 TDs) and double-digit receiving games (7). Nash finished the season with eight 100-yard receiving games and he also rushed for three touchdowns and converted on three two-point conversions.
D. Robinson (6-0, 195, West Georgia) earned the Ironman Award for his efforts on offense, defense and special teams. This is the second time in three years that Robinson has been named the Gladiators Ironman of the Year. On the season, Robinson was fourth on the team with 44 receptions for 492 yards and eight touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, Robinson was tied for second on the team with five interceptions and ranked third on the team with 32.5 tackles. Robinson was awarded Ironman of the Game twice during the 2004 campaign. In week three at Grand Rapids, he had four receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns on offense and 3.5 tackles on defense and against Chicago in week nine, he had nine catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns on offense and an interception on defense.
Carter (6-1, 260, MacMurray) is coming off his best offensive season in the AFL. The former Highlander rushed for 128 yards and nine touchdowns on 38 carries. On defense, Carter was a force from the linebacker's spot, totaling 28 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Carter also had three tackles for loss, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one blocked kick. He was named Ironman of the Game in the Gladiators victory over Indiana when he rushed for 24 yards and three touchdowns and totaled two receptions for 21 yards on offense while recording three tackles on defense.
The coaches awards were given to two players for their outstanding attitude and work ethic. Byrd (6-3, 280, Oregon) played both on the offensive and defensive line and at fullback/linebacker for the Gladiators this season. Offensively, Byrd rushed for 17 yards and a touchdown on seven carries and caught two passes out of the backfield for nine yards. On defense, Byrd recorded two sacks and 9.5 tackles. Rod Robinson (6-4, 240, Arkansas Pine Bluff) took only 21 snaps all season playing behind Clint Dolezel, but he was a always eager to listen and learn. When he did get his opportunities, Robinson made the most of them. He completed 7-of-10 passes for 88 yards and one touchdown and rushed the ball 11 times for 37 yards and one score.
Season tickets for the 2005 Las Vegas Gladiators home schedule are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Las Vegas Gladiators office at 702-731-4977.
NBC Sports' coverage of the Arena Football League's drive to ArenaBowl XVIII begins Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET when the defending ArenaBowl champion and No. 7 seed Tampa Bay takes on the No. 2 seed San Jose. The playoff action continues Sunday at 3 p.m. ET with three-game regional coverage highlighted by the lead match-up of No. 8 Los Angeles facing No. 1 seed Arizona.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 3, 2004
- Sabercats' James Roe Collects 2nd All-Ironman Team Award - San Jose SaberCats
- Arena Football League launches arenabowl.com - AFL I
- Moyer, McMillen represent Rush on AFL's All-Ironman team - Chicago Rush
- Gladiators announce team award winners - Las Vegas Gladiators
- AFL Q&A: San Jose SaberCats QB Mark Grieb - AFL I
- Desperados Will Pettis Named to AFL All-Ironman Team - Dallas Desperados
- Upper Deck, AFL ink trading card deal - AFL I
- NIKE to dress AFL from head-to-toe in 2004 - AFL I
- Wendall Gaines named to AFL's All-Ironman Team - Arizona Rattlers
- Snyder earns Ironman recognition - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- Philadelphia Soul highlight inaugural season by leading AFL in attendance - Philadelphia Soul
- Arena Football League names U.S. Army All-Ironman team - AFL I
- Cobras Announce 2004 Team Award Recipients - Carolina Cobras
- Teams continue playoff streaks on NBC - AFL I
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