McEntyre is AFL Defensive Player of Year
June 15, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Orlando Predators News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. (June 15, 2004) -- For an unprecedented third time in his career, Orlando Predators defensive specialist Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre has been tabbed the Arena Football League's top defender, as he was named "ADT Defensive Player of the Year" on Tuesday afternoon.
McEntyre had another sensational season with the Predators, leading the team in tackles (85.5), interceptions (9), pass defenses (11) and fumble recoveries (4). His nine interceptions tied for the league lead. McEntyre played a key role in helping pace the Predators to the league's top rated defense, as Orlando led the AFL in passing defense, total defense and scoring defense.
"Kenny is without question the league's best defensive player," Orlando Predators Head Coach Jay Gruden said. "He is dependable and tough. His great ball skills are what separates him from any of the league's other defensive backs."
McEntyre established league history on his way to his way to the "Defensive Player of the Year" award. Against Georgia in Week 11, McEntyre intercepted Chris Hixson to tie Durwood Roquemore for the most career AFL interceptions with 50. One week later, he picked off Glen Gauntt twice to become the AFL's all-time leader. McEntyre now has 57 interceptions in his AFL career for regular season games. In 16 post-season games, he has added 11 more interceptions â including one this season in a quarterfinal loss to Chicago. Counting the post-season, he has recorded 68 interceptions in 104 career games. He has never missed a start during that time and has been named to the first unit of the All-AFL team for past five years.
The honor marked the third time McEntyre has been named AFL "Defensive Player of the Year." He won the award back-to-back in 2000 and 2001 and is the only player in league history to win it three times.
McEntyre joins teammate Jay Taylor as Orlando Predators players to win major post-season awards. Taylor was named "Kicker of the Year" last week. Another Predators player, Cory Fleming, is considered one of the top candidates for the league's biggest top award "Ironman of the Year." That award will be announced on Thursday.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 15, 2004
- McEntyre is AFL Defensive Player of Year - Orlando Predators
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- Orlando's Kenny McEntyre named ADT Defensive Player of the Year - AFL I
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