Wranglers sign Damon Mason
October 5, 2005 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Austin Wranglers News Release
AUSTIN, TX, October 5, 2005 - Determined to improve in 2006, the Austin Wranglers have signed the first of nearly 20 new players that will be added during the free agent signing period. The Wranglers have signed former Grand Rapids Rampage/Orlando Predators player Damon Mason as defensive specialist. Known for his toughness and aggressive play, Mason brings league-wide experience and talent to a position critical for winning.
"The defensive specialist, or middle safety position, is the Quarterback for the defense and it's an integral part of good defense in Arena Football," says Head Coach Skip Foster. "Since last season, we've been increasing the depth of our defensive backs and adding Mason gives us the edge we want."
Mason, who is entering his ninth year in the AFL, finished the 2005 season with an AFL record 133.5 tackles along with an AFL season-best 34 pass breakups and became the first person in league history to reach 700 career tackles. He was also the only player in the Arena Football League during the 2005 season to be named Defensive Player of the Game seven times, Defensive Player of the Week twice and Defensive Player of the Month at least once.
Beginning his AFL career with the Orlando Predators, he has also played with the New Jersey Gladiators and the Carolina Cobras. He led Carolina in tackles in 2004 and finished second in tackles on the Predators team during the same season. He earned second team All-Arena three times, including twice with the Predators and once with New Jersey. A Mississippi native, he attended Southwestern Louisiana, now known as Louisiana-Lafayette.
"Mason is a tough, physical, aggressive player who is known throughout the League as being fearless," says Quarterback John Fitzgerald. "His tenacity will ignite the whole defense."
Open Tryouts Signup
The Austin Wranglers only Open Tryouts will be held November 5 beginning at 8 a.m. The Open Tryouts will be held at the Round Rock ISD Stadium located on Parmer Lane. Registration forms are available on www.austinwranglers.com. Cost for the Open Tryouts is $65 if postmarked on or before October 7 and $75 after. For more information, log onto www.austinwranglers.com or call the Austin Wranglers office at (512) 491-6600.
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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 5, 2005
- Quentin Carter wins Gladiators Ironman Award - Las Vegas Gladiators
- Janek returns, more top AFL talent added to Destroyers - Columbus Destroyers
- KC to play in 2006 - Kansas City Brigade
- Storm announce tryout - Tampa Bay Storm
- Wranglers sign Damon Mason - Austin Wranglers
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