SaberCats Fullback Johnie Kirton Named Week 12 National Guard MVP
Published on May 31, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The Arena Football League announced today that the late San Jose SaberCats fullback Johnie Kirton has been named National Guard MVP of Week 12.
Kirton (6-3, 280, Washington) rushed for three touchdowns, including the game-winning score in overtime, of the SaberCats 84-77 victory over the Chicago Rush in Week 12.
The Arena Football world was shocked and saddened by the news of Kirton's passing on May 28. Despite not being on the original ballot for voting in the Week 12 National Guard MVP race, Kirton received an overwhelming amount of nominations for the award.
In just two games with the SaberCats this season, Kirton totaled five touchdowns. Kirton began his Arena Football League career in 2010 with the Arizona Rattlers before enjoying a record-setting year with the Chicago Rush in 2011. He rejoined the Rattlers early in the 2012 season before being traded to San Jose in May.
An email address has been created allowing family, friends and fans to share their photos and memories of Johnie Kirton, which will be made into a book for his two-year-old daughter, Jayde. The email is memoriesofjohnie@gmail.com.
The SaberCats (8-3) will take the field with heavy hearts Saturday night against the Milwaukee Mustangs (3-7). Players will honor the memory of Kirton by wearing stickers on their helmets with his number 37.
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