Thompson Named to First Team All-af2

Published on August 13, 2003 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Louisville Fire News Release


Louisville Fire Defensive Specialist (DS) Arkee Thompson was named first-team National Conference All-af2 today by the arenafootball2 league office. Thompson is the first player in the Louisville Fire's three-year history to be named to the all league team.

Thompson was rewarded for his record-breaking efforts in 2003. On June 21st Thompson intercepted the 26th pass of his career setting the all-time af2 record held by Tyrone Laster (Richmond Speed 2000-2002). Thompson currently holds the af2 career mark with 27 interceptions in his career. Thompson finished the 2003 season with 10 interceptions, second in af2, for 79 return yards. Thompson also led the Fire with 64.5 tackles, 27 pass break-ups and 3 forced fumbles.

"Hopefully this will make my stock rise and I can move onto the next level," said Thompson, "Having a former defensive back as a head coach has helped me improve my understanding of the defensive specialist position."

Thompson, a native of Savannah, GA, spent the 2001 season with the Tennessee Valley Vipers, and the 2002 season with the Carolina Rhinos of the af2 and collected 17 interceptions with those teams. Thompson was also a free safety for the 1999 Division I-AA National Champion Georgia Southern Eagles and was named a Division I-AA All-American in 1998 & 1999.

"He deserves it. When we brought him in I knew he would be one of the best cover guys in the league," commented Fire head coach Tommy Johnson, "I think this just goes to show Arkee belongs in the AFL or higher."

Thompson's record-breaking season has drawn interest from teams in the Arena Football League, including the Las Vegas Gladiators. Thompson is slated to work out for the Gladiators in September. Former University of Louisville quarterback and the AFL's Orlando Predators head coach Jay Gruden has also expressed interest in Thompson along with the Buffalo Destroyers. NFL teams have expressed interest in working Thompson out, including the Kansas City Chiefs.

Six players from the Midwest Division, which the Fire participates in, were named to the first-team. Of the 12 players selected to the first-team 9 played for teams on the Fire's 2003 schedule. For the first time in history, the League named an ALL-af2 First and Second Team for each conference using votes collected from af2 head coaches and members of the media.

Season tickets for the 2004 Fire season are now on sale, starting at $49, and can be purchased by calling 502-368-0009.

Thompson will be available for interviews today at the Fire offices in Old Cardinal Stadium at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds from 3-5 p.m.

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