Sullivan Beard makes AFL debut

February 21, 2006 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Tri-Cities Fever News Release


Kennewick, WA - 02/21/06. Former Tri-Cities Fever Safety Sullivan Beard made his Arena Football League (AFL) debut last Saturday and passed the test.

Starting in the Defensive Specialist position for the expansion Utah Blaze, Beard had his work cut out for him before he ever stepped on the field against the Arizona Rattlers. He is the fourth Defensive Specialist to start in four games this season for the Blaze. The season opening game starter Kelvin Hunter, and AFL veteran, was injured in that first game victory against San Jose and has not seen action since. Erin Damond stepped in the next game and struggled in the teams 56-53 loss to the Dallas Desperados. As a result he was released a few days later. Then it was Kevin Moffett's turn. He happened to be a big part of the Blaze 84-81 loss to the New York Dragons and was immediately removed from the active roster.

Then came Sullivan Beard, the final player the Blaze released from training camp. He was at home in Louisiana preparing to head west and rejoin the Tri- Cities Fever when he received the phone call. "I had been following the team and felt bad for those guys that were struggling" said Beard. "Those guys are great athletes but it just goes to show you that this game has no mercy on defensive backs. You are going to get beat, but what matters is how bad and how often."

Beard got beat a few times in his debut against the Arizona Rattlers, but it was few and far between. He led the team in tackles and had a pass break- up. The defense held Arizona to just 45 points, a great effort in AFL standards, and Utah Blaze defensive coordinator Lee Leslie was happy, if not satisfied with Beard's performance. "Sully played a solid game," said Leslie. "For his first time out, we were happy with how he played."

So did his performance give Beard the chance to becomes Utah's first back to back starter in the Defensive Specialist (DS) position this season? Lee Leslie believes so. "We have a very good DS that is healing from injury in Kelvin Hunter and a lot depends on his status, but you will likely see Sully out there again this week."



National Indoor Football League Stories from February 21, 2006


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