Philadelphia Soul Speak with Duce Staley
Published on February 8, 2011 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (February 8, 2011) - The Philadelphia Soul had former National Football League running back Duce Staley in attendance at open tryouts on January 29, which is where he discussed Arena Football, his days as a player, and the Soul's upcoming season. Staley spent his entire professional career in the state of Pennsylvania playing for cross-state rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers (2004-06) and the Philadelphia Eagles (2003-1997).
Over his ten year career, Staley recorded 5,785 rushing yards, 24 rushing touchdowns, 287 receptions, 2,587 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns. He spent this past season as a coaching intern for the Eagles, the same franchise which drafted him in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft out of the University of South Carolina.
Q: What do you like about the AFL game
DS: Just the game in general, I'm a big fan of just football. Anytime you can watch football, sit down and enjoy it, the game doesn't change. You may have eight or nine players on the field but it doesn't matter, it is still the game of football and I'm always attracted to the game.
Q: How do you think your personal game would have changed if you played in Arena Football
DS: I would have to protect myself with no sidelines, just kidding. It wouldn't have changed. I was an aggressive player when I played. Therefore, I would have taken that part of my game, and actually it would have worked out better because when you play that style you have to be aggressive.
Q: Did you have any pregame rituals
DS: Tupac, I always listened to Tupac before the game. I was a big fan of his growing up and I didn't feel right if I didn't have my headphones on listening to Tupac. There were a couple of songs that I would always listen to before the game.
Q: Have you been to a Soul game
DS: I have not and I'm very excited right now about coming. I can't wait to actually get a chance to come out. From what I'm hearing it starts in March. I can't wait to be a part of it.
Q: What are your thoughts about the open tryouts that we are holding today
DS: It's good, it's a combine. When I go back and look at the NFL Combine, and I look out here and see these drills, it is set up the same way, without the benching and the weights. You have the running drills and agilities, so you are seeing the quickness out here from some of the guys.
Arena Football League Stories from February 8, 2011
- Blaze Add Defensive Lineman TJ Raymond - Utah Blaze
- Barnstormers Re-Sign Pete Traynor - Iowa Barnstormers
- VooDoo Announce Free, Open Scrimmage Date Versus Dallas Vigilantes - New Orleans VooDoo
- Philadelphia Soul Speak with Duce Staley - Philadelphia Soul
- Barnstormers Individual Game Tickets on Sale Feburary 28 - Iowa Barnstormers
- Sharks Trade for Defensive Back - Jacksonville Sharks
- Soul Squad Open Tryouts to be Held Sunday, March 6 - Philadelphia Soul
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