Rush Star Alfonzo Signs Two-Year Contract Extension
June 26, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
June 26, 2007 - Chicago Rush star linebacker DeJuan Alfonzo proved there is no place he would rather play than Chicago, signing a two-year contract extension with the team through the 2009 season rather than becoming a free agent at the end of the year.
"The decision to keep âZo around for two more years was a no-brainer and yet another positive step for the organization," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "The last two seasons âZo has stepped up his game to another level. He possesses all the qualities we want in a football player."
"I am happy to know I am going to be back in Chicago," said Alfonzo. "I think I have developed a great base here and I love the organization from top to bottom. I look forward to being a part of the winning tradition for many more years to come."
One of the leading candidates for the Arena Football League's Defensive Player of the Year award, Alfonzo is enjoying a record-setting season. With his 47-yard interception return for a touchdown in Saturday night's 48-21 win over Kansas City, Alfonzo set an AFL record with five defensive touchdowns this season - three interceptions returned for touchdowns and two fumble recoveries for TDs. In addition, Alfonzo tied an AFL record by recovering six fumbles this season.
For the year, Alfonzo recorded a career-high 93 tackles, six interceptions, six fumbles recovered and four fumbles forced. He led the league in fumbles recovered and finished the season ranked in the top 10 in the AFL in both tackles and fumbles forced.
In addition to his great play on defense, Alfonzo also was a weapon on offense - especially when Rush receiver Bobby Sippio was out with an injury - catching 27 passes for 245 yards and seven touchdowns, and rushing for 57 yards and seven TDs on the year.
Alfonzo's return means that six of the team's starting eight from the AFL's top-ranked defense are signed for the 2008 season. Only lineman E.J. Burt and defensive back Jonathan Ordway remained un-signed.
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