Ironman Geathers to Play in First Arenabowl
July 23, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. (July 23, 2008) - One of the most gifted all-round athletes in the history of University of Miami football, Jason Geathers was an un-drafted free agent when his eligibility expired after the 2003 season.
In some ways the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Geathers may have performed so well at various positions, National Football League player personnel types were unsure where the talented youngster could be best suited.
Geathers now readies himself for the San Jose SaberCats' fourth trip to an Arena Football League championship. The SaberCats (13-5) will play the Philadelphia Soul (15-3) in ArenaBowl XXII, Sunday in New Orleans (ABC/HD 12 noon PT)
Having a "cup of coffee" with the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants in 2004 and early 2005, Jason found the taste of only training camp and practice squads bitter.
A five-position player at Spanish River High School in Boca Raton, Florida, Miami whittled it down to only running back and receiver. "I just enjoyed playing," Geathers said of his total football exploits. "I played a lot of positions since beginning my football career. At times, I didn't know what I wanted to play, but at Miami, I chose offense."
All this has paid off for the San Jose SaberCats. A call in 2006 from one of Jason's high school football coaches to then defensive coordinator Kevin Guy prompted the SaberCats to bring Geathers in for an audition. They liked his size, speed, agility and attitude. "I enjoy the game, no matter where I can make a play," the receiver-linebacker said after San Jose's American Conference win against the Grand Rapids Rampage.
Geathers showed why, in that 81-55 manhandling, he may be the resurrection of the consummate AFL "Ironman." Since the introduction of one platoon football in the AFL last season, the all-round football entertainer has nearly been forgotten.
Against the Rampage, Geathers had four pass receptions for 52 yards, including touchdowns of 14 and nine yards; ran the ball three times for 18 yards, including a 14-yard TD scamper; added an assisted tackle and pass break up; and scored on a game-ending 29-yard pass interception.
This impelled the game's founder Jim Foster - there to present the American Conference trophy - to say: "He certainly looked like a young Barry Wagner in that game."
"Wow. I really appreciate that," said Geathers with a grateful giggle of being compared with the former six-time "AFL Ironman Award" winner, who played with San Jose from 2000 to 2006. "He's a legend (in this game). That's a great compliment."
Wagner was in his final season when Jason joined the SaberCats in 2006. "Wags was a great guy; hard working too," Geathers continued. "He taught me the angles of the game. Oh yes, I learned a lot from him."
Geathers, the SaberCats' Jack' linebacker, replaced All-AFL receiver James Roe, who was injured in the first playoff game against Colorado. Jason, played nearly 60 downs against Grand Rapids. A throwback to the old Ironman days of Arena Football, Geathers started on both sides of the ball.
After playing in only five games his rookie season, Geathers broke into the lineup 14 times last season. In each of those games, he proved his worth on offense (54 catches, 582 yards, 11 TDs), defense (24.5 tackles, 3.5 for loss, pass breakup and forced fumble), and on special teams. He also ran the ball twice.
In last year's playoffs, Jason was relegated to special teams play and had 1.5 tackles on the kickoff team against Colorado. Unfortunately, he did not play in the ArenaBowl XXI game against Columbus, but was just as much a part of the team available from the 24-man roster.
On Sunday he'll have one of the most important roles since he played in the Fiesta and Orange Bowls during his college tenure.
"I won't let anyone down," he said of performing to the best of his abilities for the fans and team. "I've worked hard for this. I'm detailed and prepared, and always ready.
"It's time to get another ring."
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 23, 2008
- AFL players partner with The Brees Dream Foundation to build a greenhouse and grounds - AFL I
- San Jose's Grieb Goes for Second Place All-Time in Virgin Mobile Arenabowl XXII - AFL I
- Championship Chatter - AFL I
- Ironman Geathers to Play in First Arenabowl - San Jose SaberCats
- Gladiators and Minucci Agree to Two-Year Deal - Cleveland Gladiators
- Philadelphia And San Jose Square Off In Virgin Mobile ArenaBowl XXII - AFL I
- ArenaBowl XXII on ABC Sunday at 3 p.m. - AFL I
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