Brown named AFL defensive player of year

Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Bill Rabinowitz
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Before Jerald Brown signed with the Destroyers in October, he wanted a commitment.

He spent his two seasons in the Arena Football League as a two-way player, and he wanted to concentrate on defense.

"That was the only way I was signing anywhere — if I was signing as a defensive specialist," Brown said. "I knew that’s what I am and what I can do. I knew I could be one of the best at that position."

Brown’s belief was more than validated during the season. Yesterday, the league named him the defensive player of the year.

"I’m definitely excited," Brown said. "It’s definitely God’s doing. I’m thrilled right now. I worked hard for it."

A player who asks to play only defense invites questions of masochism. Arena football, after all, is designed for offense.

"Anybody can score on the offensive side of the ball, but not everyone can stop someone on defense," Brown said. "It’s more of a challenge."

The Destroyers led the league in scoring defense most of the season before finishing second with a 44.8 average. Brown intercepted a franchiserecord 11 passes, second-most in the league. He also broke up 25 passes and had 65 tackles.

"He’s the general of our defense just as the quarterback is the general of the offense," coach Doug Kay said. "And he does it as well as anybody I’ve ever coached in the Arena Football League."

Kay had a history with many of the players he signed after becoming Destroyers coach last year, but he had not coached Brown. It didn’t take Kay long to see Brown had the mental and physical skills required to excel at such a difficult position.

"Whatever package Jerald Brown would come in, he would be a winner," Kay said. "He’s a person who loves the game. There aren’t a lot of players who really love the game, who are passionate about the game. That’s one of the things I liked about him from the start."

Brown, 25, credited his teammates for his success, particularly fellow defensive specialist Cecil Doggette, who retired after the season.

"A lot of things I did I might not have been able to do without Cecil on the front side," Brown said. "He played a big part in what I was able to do. We worked very well together."

There’s a chance Brown won’t be back. Like most arena players, he would love a crack at the NFL, and yesterday’s award might help him get a shot.

If that doesn’t happen, Brown will become a free agent because his contract with the Destroyers was for one year.

"I would love to return," Brown said. "I don’t want to start something so someone else can finish it. It all comes down to whether we can work out a deal. But I definitely want to come back. That’s my first option."