AAF Orlando Apollos

January 23, 2019 - Orlando Apollos Daily Update

January 23, 2019 - Alliance of American Football (AAF)
Orlando Apollos News Release


TODAY'S NEWS

The originally scheduled joint-practice with the Arizona Hotshots was called off today, but the Apollos did have a light practice on their own today (shorts and shells), their 15th day of practice at training camp.

Apollos head coach Steve Spurrier gave an update this morning from #ApollosTrainingCamp on "Open Mike" on iHeartRadio's 96.9 FM The Game - Listen to the interview here.

BUILDING A UNIT: Each Apollos coach has been charged with building a unit at training camp. The Apollos defensive backs are led by coach Donnie Abraham, a nine-year NFL veteran (1996-2004) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets who led the NFL in interceptions (7) in 1999 on his way to the Pro Bowl that season. He began coaching in 2005 at the high school level in Florida with stops at East Lake High School (2005-08, 2012), Gibbs High School (2009-10), Clearwater High School (2013-14) and IMG Academy (2015-16). Abraham also coached defensive backs for the Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League from 2011-12.

On the group, Abraham said, ""[The cornerbacks] are trying to do the things that we're teaching, which is good. If we continue on this path, I think we'll have some quality, disciplined football players."

EARL OKINE - A FOOTBALL JOURNEYMAN: At 6'7", 265 pounds, outside linebacker Earl Okine is the tallest player on the Apollos roster and an imposing presence on the defense. The former Florida Gator has bounced around to multiple football leagues, with stops in the NFL (Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals), Arena Football League (Orlando Predators), Canadian Football League (Calgary Stampeders), the Fall Experimental Football League (Brooklyn Bolts) and now The Alliance of American Football. Growing up in Gainesville, Florida, Okine said he is starstruck in practice seeing head coach Steve Spurrier, and 'can't get over the fact that I'm actually playing for him.'

Read more from Apollos training camp on OrlandoApollos.com

The Orlando Apollos team headquarters while in training camp in San Antonio is the University of the Incarnate Word - all practices are open to the public.

A member of The Alliance of American Football, the Orlando Apollos are led by an experienced professional coaching, playing and front office staff featuring head coach Steve Spurrier, team president Mike Waddell and general manager Tim Ruskell.

The Apollos compete in The Alliance of American Football with the Atlanta Legends, Birmingham Iron, Memphis Express, Arizona Hotshots, Salt Lake Stallions, San Antonio Commanders and San Diego Fleet. The name Orlando Apollos is inspired by Apollo, Greek god of the sun, who is often depicted as an archer. The Apollos' colors are derived from two shades of orange which are reflective of the warm Florida sunshine that is common to Orlando and central Florida, and the color navy also pays respect to the Apollo Space mission and the entire Florida Space Coast. The Apollos' arrow points east toward Florida.

Orlando Apollos' home games will be played at Spectrum Stadium. Fans can purchase season tickets for as low as $75 at www.orlandoapollos.com or by calling 833-AAF-2019. Apollos game day parking is also now on sale. For more information on the Apollos, visit the team's website and be sure to follow The Apollos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.



Alliance of American Football Stories from January 23, 2019


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