L.A.'s Damen Wheeler selected to AFL All-Rookie team
Published on May 19, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release
LOS ANGELES -- Avenger defensive specialist Damen Wheeler has been selected to the Arena Football League's "All-Rookie" team.
Wheeler (5-foot-9, 180 pounds) had an outstanding first season with the Avengers, leading the team with five interceptions and 15 pass deflections. He was second on the club in tackles with 62, including two for a loss of six yards. Wheeler, who started in all but one of L.A.'s 16 regular-season games, also forced two fumbles, recovered a pair of loose balls and blocked a kick. He led all AFL rookies in interceptions, pass deflections and forced fumbles.
Selected by the San Diego Chargers in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft, Wheeler went on to play in five games for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2001, recording a total of 12 tackles (11 unassisted). Then, in the spring of 2001, he started 10 games for the New York/New Jersey Hitmen of the XFL, recording 42 tackles and three interceptions, and made the All-XFL first team.
The 2003 AFL Playoffs begin this Saturday (May 24), but as the No. 4 seed, the Avengers (11-5) earned a first-round bye and will host a quarterfinal playoff game at STAPLES Center on Sunday, June 1. Kickoff is set for noon (Pacific) and the contest will be televised on KNBC Channel 4. The AFL's four first-round games, which will be played this weekend, will determine L.A.'s opponent.
Tickets, starting at just $10, are on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets and the STAPLES Center box office. For more information, please call 1-888-AVENGERS.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 19, 2003
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