Soul land top two free agent linemen
Published on October 4, 2005 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA - On the first day of the free agent signing period, the Philadelphia Soul landed two of the Arena Football League's most coveted lineman, signing top-rated free agents Ernest Allen and E.J. Burt. With the signing of Allen and Burt, the Soul brought in more protection for quarterback Tony Graziani and will improve Philadelphia's pressure upfront on defense. As per club policy, terms of their deals were not disclosed.
Allen (6'3", 280, Cincinnati) joins the Soul in 2006 for his 11th season in the League. In 2005, he played in 16 games for the Dallas Desperados and tallied 20.5 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for losses, two sacks, one breakup, one safety and one blocked kick. In his career, he has accumulated 170.5 tackles, 31 sacks, nine pass breakups, four safeties, six blocks, five forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries.
Allen has also earned second-team All-Arena honors in seven out of 10 seasons while being in the AFL, including three straight seasons with the Orlando Predators (2001-03).
"I am excited to sign with the Soul," Allen said. "The organization has shown a commitment to winning and I am looking forward to playing for the best fans in the AFL."
Burt (6'2", 265, West Liberty State) comes to the Soul after spending the previous three seasons with the Orlando Predators. Last season, he was named to the second team All-Arena after having a career year with 29.5 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for losses, 7.5 sacks, four pass breakups, four forced fumbles and two blocked kicks. In his three seasons, Burt has played 48 regular season games and has recorded 74.5 tackles, 24 tackles for losses, 22.5 sacks, 10 breakups, 11 forced fumbles and three blocked kicks.
"I am coming into a great situation from the coaching staff, organization and city," Burt said. "The only thing that could make this better is an ArenaBowl championship."
Burt holds the single season professional football record with 27.5 sacks which he recorded for the Cape Fear Wildcats of af2 in 2002.
"Ernest and E.J. are arguably two of the best lineman in the AFL," Head Coach Bret Munsey said. "We are extremely excited as a staff about the additions and feel that these two guys will set the tone up front. We will be announcing more top free agent signings later this week."
Season tickets for the Soul's 2006 season are on sale now. Tickets start as
low as $96. For more information call (888) PHIL-AFL or log on to
www.philadelphiasoul.com
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 4, 2005
- Destroyers open free agency period by signing five AFL veterans - Columbus Destroyers
- Gladiators ink seven as AFL free agent signing period begins - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Soul land top two free agent linemen - Philadelphia Soul
- L.A. Avengers trade Luis Almanzar to Austin Wranglers - Los Angeles Avengers
- Bon Jovi not Soul'd out for you - Philadelphia Soul
- Dahnel Singfield joins Dragons' backfield - New York Dragons
- Kats sign All-Arena FB/LB Frank Carter - Nashville Kats
- Kansas City to join AFL as 18th team for 2006 - AFL I
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