Troy Bergeron returns from NFL as renewed force

By D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/11/07

Flowery Branch — The fleet Troy Bergeron missed the game that helped him get a shot in the National Football League with the Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills.

Not only did Bergeron miss the game, but he also missed the paychecks from the Arena Football League.

His plight and checkbook balance called for him to ask the Bills for his release so that he could rejoin the Georgia Force and earn some cash.

"A lot of people don't understand it," Bergeron said. "A lot of people called me crazy for doing it, but I have a lot of responsibilities right now and I can't take the risk of having no income for a whole year. I thought it was the smartest thing for me."

In his first Arena game since playing in the 2005 ArenaBowl, Troy Bergeron put on a show. He scored six touchdowns in the Force's season-opening 69-65 victory over Arizona. The Force (1-0) faces Adrian McPherson and the Austin Wranglers (1-0) at 3:30 p.m. today at Philips Arena.

After helping the Force reach the ArenaBowl, Bergeron entered the NFL draft last season. He went undrafted, but was signed as a free agent by the Falcons. He made it through most of training camp before being released after the final exhibition game.

The Bills signed him to their practice squad in Week 13 of the season.

"I was still under contract with the Bills and it was basically for financial reasons," Bergeron said. "It was not guaranteed up there. I didn't want to take the chance of going up there for training camp and getting released and stuck with no income. I basically let them know and asked them to grant me a release so I could play here this year."

Force coach Doug Plank welcomed Bergeron back with open arms.

"He was such a pleasant surprise," Plank said. "Not that we were surprised by what he did. It was a surprise having him on this team again. What he did Saturday night wasn't a surprise because he's done that for us in the past."

Bergeron was the AFL rookie of the year after catching 105 passes for 1,372 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2005.

"It's been rough, not playing the game. I think it definitely helps me coming back here," Bergeron said. "I was pretty young when I played here."

It didn't take long for Bergeron to get back on the same page with the Force.

"I remembered everything, I didn't have to look at it one time," Bergeron said. "In the NFL you have to study that playbook for hours."

Bergeron had bulked up to 205 pounds for his NFL shot. He's back down to 190 pounds for the Arena game.

"Route running is totally different from the outdoor game to the indoor game," Bergeron said. "Out here you have the freedom to play around a little more. Outdoors if you have a 20-yard route, you better run a 20-yard route."

For now, the Arena League is just fine.

"I'm just going to continue to play out here and if I get fortunate enough for a team to bring me up, I'll try to make the most of it," Bergeron said. "I'll do whatever. If I have to stay here, I'm perfectly happy here, but if I get another opportunity I'll give it my best."

The speed of the indoor game appeals to Bergeron.

"I won't ever score six touchdowns up there," Bergeron said. "This is an offensive game. It's a game for receivers and quarterbacks."

Now, how is he going to follow-up that six-touchdown performance? Seven touchdowns? Eight touchdowns?

"I can't guarantee that," Bergeron said "I'm just hoping for the 'W.'"