Q&A with Detroit's Ron Carenter
July 30, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
NEW YORK â In his fifth AFL season, Detroit Fury defensive specialist and kick returner Ron Carpenter set a single-season record with 2,248 return yards in 2003. His record-breaking season continued into the playoffs, as he tied the AFL postseason record by returning two kickoffs for touchdowns in the Fury's Quarterfinal Round matchup against the eventual ArenaBowl champion Tampa Bay Storm. Find out more about Detroit's standout defensive specialist, including how he became such a dominant kick returner and how RONNIE LOTT helped shape his career.
For the complete Q&A with Carpenter, go to www.arenafootball.com.
Q: How is the AFL different now from when you first started?
CARPENTER: When I first started I never really watched the game. I was like a fish out of the water. It took me some time to realize how to succeed in this game, recognize the angles and learn how to work with a different sized field. Now, I have the experience and I know the game. I have learned how to play the balls off the nets and return better. For example, I know that I can't just dance in the backfield once I return the kickoff. The most important thing is to explode and get the most yardage right when you catch the ball. I used to dance a little bit and then run straight up the middle.
Q: Who has influenced you and your career the most?
CARPENTER: RONNIE LOTT. I always wanted to be like him. The way he intimidated the opposition, his big-play ability and the fact that the offense always had to know where he was on the field. That's the type of player I try to be like.
Q: Who is the best player you've ever faced? When and why?
CARPENTER: JERRY RICE. I played against him for the Bengals in 1993. Jerry is a confident professional and doesn't take any shortcuts. Everybody knows his offseason workout regimes. He's always prepared whether it's his work on the field or off. He's just a hard guy to keep up with.
Q: What was your most memorable moment in the AFL?
CARPENTER: It was the loss to the Orlando Predators in ArenaBowl XIV, 41-38. The Predators won on a last-second field goal. We were losing in the first part of the game and then came back in the second half. The clock eventually ran out on us, so it's probably a game that will haunt me for a long time.
Q: What's your most embarrassing moment in the AFL?
CARPENTER: I'd have to say I'm embarrassed whenever the kicker on kick returns tackles me. It's happened to me at least three times this year. Sometimes there's nothing you can do about it, but it's always embarrassing and my teammates always give me abuse whenever it happens.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from July 30, 2003
- Desperados Jones Signs With Browns - Dallas Desperados
- Q&A with Detroit's Ron Carenter - AFL I
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
