Kansas City Chiefs Sign Isaac White to Contract
January 29, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Hawaiian Islanders News Release
HONOLULU â Isaac White, a two year veteran of the Hawaiian Islanders arena football team and was part of a team that finished 11-7 winning the af2 Western Division Championship last season, became the first player in franchise history to sign a contract with an NFL team.
The Kansas City Chiefs today announced the signing of White to a contract in preparation for the 2004 season. White worked out with the team this week in Kansas City and impressed the scouts and management to the point where they signed him five months prior to the start of training camp.
"It's clear that his work and coaching with the Hawaiian Islanders arena football team has prepared him to take the next step into the National Football League," said Lynn Stiles, the Chief's Vice President of Football Operations and Player Personnel. "This opportunity for Isaac is as much a credit to the Islanders organization for affording him the opportunity to develop as a player, as it is to his own ability, hard work and passion for the game of football. I'm sure he'll continue to improve during the off season workouts in Kansas City and he'll be prepared to compete for a roster spot during pre-season this summer."
According to Stiles, White continuing to play football following college in the Arena Football League allowed him to mature as a football player and as a person, so there's no reason to send him to NFL Europe. Instead the Chiefs will work with White in Kansas City throughout the off-season beginning in March. White will compete for a spot as a nickel-back as well as on special teams where he has shown the ability to bust through a wedge as well as make a one-on-one tackle. In 31 games with the Islanders, White recorded 48 solo and 34 assisted tackles. He also had two interceptions returned for touchdowns. On offense, he caught 63 passes for 950 yards and 10 touchdowns.
"I like his athletic ability and his toughness," said Kansas City head coach Dick Vermeil. "He'll provide additional competition on special teams where we've excelled this past season."
"I'm incredibly happy for him," noted Hawaiian Islanders Head Coach Cal Lee. "He's a guy who always shows up for practice and when it comes to the game itself, he gives every play 100 percent. I can't think of a better guy to have an opportunity like this."
The Hawaiian Islanders is the State's only professional franchise and will open their third season in late March. In 2003, the Islanders registered a division-winning 11-7 record and a second round appearance in the arenafootball2 league playoffs. Head coach Cal Lee will again return for his second season and will bring another championship caliber team to the Blaisdell Arena.
Season and group tickets are available at the Hawaiian Islanders office by calling (808) 53-ARENA or log on to our web site at www.hawaiianislanders.com.
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