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Pirates Re-Sign Two Key Pieces to Defensive Unit

September 11, 2020 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Massachusetts Pirates News Release


WORCESTER, MASS. - One of the IFL's newest teams is re-signing two more of its defensive players. The Massachusetts Pirates have announced the signings of Khalid Wooten and Chucky Williams for the 2021 season.

Wooten, a defensive back, suited up in 9 games for the Pirates in 2019 and recorded 31.5 tackles and 2 interceptions. A year before that, Wooten appeared in 2 games with the Pirates and had 6 tackles and an interception return for a touchdown. Pirates President and General Manager Jawad Yatim cited Wooten's importance to the team's defensive backfield. "Khalid was the glue in our secondary in 2019. As soon as he was inserted into the lineup, our communication improved and that unit played at another level. He's always been a consistent player for us, great locker room presence and he was certainly a priority as we entered the free agency period. Glad he's back on board."

A former sixth-round NFL draft pick in 2013 by the Tennessee Titans, Wooten appeared in three NFL games for Tennessee in 2014. He has also played in the CFL and AFL. 2021 will mark his third season with the Pirates.

Williams wants the Pirates to get off to a fast start next season and set the tone early on defense.

Williams is coming off a 2019 season where he appeared in 13 games and compiled 51.5 tackles, 11 pass breakups and one defensive touchdown. Yatim spoke on Williams' leadership as a whole. "Chuck has such an authentic passion for the game. Never really needs to be motivated to do his job, he motivates others around him and is accountable. Plays with a lot of energy and it's infectious across the locker room. His body type and skill set allows him to play multiple positions which is invaluable especially when you're only allowed to dress 21 on gameday. Happy to have him coming back and being one of our leaders this upcoming season."

Williams was signed by the NFL's Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2018. The linebacker played four years at the University of Louisville and appeared in every game as a sophomore, junior and senior. In total, Williams compiled 221 tackles, 9 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles for the Cardinals. "The most important thing I learned from playing at Louisville is that you're always going to face some type adversity. It's all about how you bounce back."

Pirates defensive coordinator and secondary coach Rayshaun Kizer expressed the importance of bringing both Wooten and Williams back into the fold. "It's always good to have players like Khalid and Chucky. Both players bring physical play as well as an understanding of the indoor game. I'm glad to have both of them back."

The signings of Wooten and Williams brings the total acquisitions on defense to five so far during free agency. Defensive linemen J.D. Griggs, R.J. Roberts and Youhanna Ghaifan have also been re-signed by the Pirates.

The Massachusetts Pirates are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL). The Pirates play all home games at the DCU Center located at 50 Foster St. Worcester, MA. 01608. For more information on the Massachusetts Pirates please call (508) 452-MASS (6277), email contact@masspiratesfootball.com or visit http://www.masspiratesfootball.com. Single-game tickets are available online at ticketmaster.com or the DCU Center Box Office. For season, half-season, luxury, or group ticket packages please call 508-452-MASS (6277). Follow the Pirates on Facebook via Facebook.com/MAPirates, Instagram @mass.pirates, and Twitter @mass_pirates. #GetHooked #AllAboard

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