Thompson Earns 'Built Ford Tough Man of Year'
Published on August 17, 2002 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- The Arena Football League and Ford Division trucks proudly announce that Indiana Firebirds fullback/linebacker Leroy Thompson has been selected as the 2002 "Built Ford Tough Man of Year." The award honors unsung heroes who do the small things to help their teams get the extra yard, make the big block, or provide a game-winning tackle.
Thompson will drive off in a new F-350 Super Duty and receive a Built Ford Tough plaque commemorating his achievement during a presentation prior to ArenaBowl XVI on Sunday, August 18, 2002 (3 p.m. ET, ABC).
"This award reflects the essence of our partnership with Ford Division and the unmatched commitment, character and toughness that our players exhibit on a regular basis in Arena Football," said Glenn Horine, President, AFL Properties.
During the regular season, the "Built Ford Tough Player of the Game" award â which recognizes players who demonstrate toughness, determination and reliability, not necessarily statistical performance â was presented to deserving players from each of the 16 teams following each game.
Members of team coaching staffs nominate weekly award winners for consideration in the final end-of-season "Built Ford Tough Man of the Year" award. The voting panel includes team-coaching staffs, officials of Ford Division trucks, and AFL executives.
"The AFL represents the true meaning of toughness," said Doug Scott, Ford Division truck group marketing manager. "The whole concept of the âBuilt Ford Tough Man of the Year' award is to recognize and reward a player who best exemplifies the toughness and dependability of Ford trucks and Leroy Thompson is a fitting recipient."
"I am honored and thankful to Ford and the AFL for selecting me for such a tremendous award," Thompson said. "I feel extremely fortunate to have been chosen amongst other âtough-nosed' players like Tom Briggs (Dallas), Kelvin Kinney (Detroit), and John Moyer (Chicago)."
Other nominees for "Built Ford Tough Man of the Year, listed by team:
HORN, Chris -- Arizona Rattlers, wide receiver/linebacker, offensive specialist
JOHNSON, Corey -- Buffalo Destroyers, defensive specialist
FLEMING, Corey -- Carolina Cobras, wide receiver/linebacker
MOYER, John â Chicago Rush, offensive/defensive lineman
BRIGGS, Tom â Dallas Desperados, offensive/defensive lineman
KINNEY, Kelvin -- Detroit Fury, offensive/defensive lineman
SMITH, Jermaine â Georgia Force, offensive/defensive lineman
RAYBON, Israel -- Grand Rapids Rampage, offensive/defensive lineman
HOPKINS, Greg -- Los Angeles Avengers, wide receiver/linebacker
HORACEK, Mike â New Jersey Gladiators, offensive specialist
FRANKLIN, Donvetis â New York Dragons, defensive specialist
ALLEN, Ernest -- Orlando Predators, offensive/defensive lineman
THOMAS, Clevan -- San Jose SaberCats, defensive specialist/kick returner
SAMUELS, Lawrence â Tampa Bay Storm, wide receiver/defensive back
DAVIDSON, Charlie -- Toronto Phantoms, wide receiver/defensive back
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from August 17, 2002
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- Thomas Named Rookie of the Year - AFL I
- AFL Names Rookie, Ironman Squads - AFL I
- All-Arena Teams Named - AFL I
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- Thompson Earns 'Built Ford Tough Man of Year' - AFL I
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