Force Kicker Carlos Martinez Named to the AFL Al Lucas Hero Team

The Arena Football League has announced that Georgia Force (10-6) K Carlos Martinez has been named to the Al Lucas Hero Team for his contributions in the community.

Martinez, 5-8, 180 pounds, had an extended–family member, Colleen Drury, diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer prior to the start of the regular season. As a result of the development, he decided to partner with the Georgia Tech based Ovarian Cancer Institute to start the “Kicking for the Cure” Fund. Over the course of the season, Martinez donated $25 for every field goal made (five) and a $10 donation for every PAT made (112) to the Ovarian Cancer Institute in Colleen Drury’s honor. Fans were given the opportunity to join Martinez and his support of the Ovarian Cancer Institute by pledging to donate a monetary amount per field goal and PAT made. With the help of the fans, Martinez was able to present the Ovarian Cancer Institute with a check for $6,459 at the team’s Divisional Round Playoff Game vs. Cleveland (7/7).

Martinez also enjoyed a successful season on the field as he posted franchise single-season highs in PATs attempted (127), PATs made (112) and points scored by a kicker (127) in 16 games this season. He also tallied 36 touchbacks on 131 kickoffs, which ranked fifth in the AFL. On two occasions this season, Martinez split the uprights on 10 PATs (vs. Kansas City, 4/4 and at Utah, 3/29), which tied the second highest total in a single-game in Force history.

This honor marks the first time a member of the Force has been named to the Al Lucas Hero Team.

The Al Lucas Hero Award is presented annually to the player who makes the most significant contribution to both his community and the game of Arena Football. The award was created in honor of the late Los Angeles Avengers lineman Al Lucas, who believed in both giving back to his community and growing the AFL.

The following players have been named to the Al Lucas Hero Team and are all nominated to receive the Al Lucas Hero Award which will be announced on Thursday, July 17:

2008 Al Lucas Hero Team

Otis Amey – Cleveland Gladiators
Mike Brown – Philadelphia Soul
Mkristo Bruce – Arizona Rattlers
Henry Bryant – New Orleans VooDoo
Brandon Isaiah – Kansas City Brigade
CARLOS MARTINEZ – GEORGIA FORCE
Michael McFadden – Grand Rapids Rampage
Bobby Perry – Dallas Desperados
Shane Stafford – Orlando Predators
Kevin Swayne – New York Dragons
Danny Wimprine – New Orleans VooDoo