Talent evaluators say an Arena player is a different type of athlete than an NFL player
By FRANK PASTOR
Published June 22, 2003
but still could thrive in that league.
TAMPA - Danny White hears it all the time.
"Our guys are just basically guys that couldn't make it in the NFL," the 12th-year Arizona coach repeats by rote.
But as the Arena Football League concludes its 17th season with the ArenaBowl today at the St. Pete Times Forum, there is growing sentiment in professional football circles that the generalization is outdated.
For the first time, players, coaches and talent evaluators are even conceding that not all NFL players could make it in the AFL.
"I think the biggest myth is that the (Arena) athletes aren't as good," said St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner, who has played in both leagues. "That's one thing that I found out. In a lot of cases, the athletes are better because they have to play both ways."
Though it continues to send players to the NFL, the AFL is more than a feeder system. It has distanced itself from the Canadian Football League from a talent standpoint and developed what White called a "prototype" for a different player for a different game.
Because they play offense and defense, Arena players must be versatile, durable and, most important, tough.
Quarterbacks must make quicker decisions and accurate throws while absorbing hits in the pocket. Linemen must be big, ideally in the 6 feet 2 to 6-3, 290- to 300-pound range, and strong on both sides of the ball.
Defensive backs must be speedy and savvy enough to cover receivers who have a running start. And receivers need separation speed because they have less space to elude defensive backs.
"The NFL has evolved into a specialist game, and I think we've attempted to separate ourselves from the NFL in that respect," White said.
"There is no question the talent level in our league today is light years ahead of where it was when I first entered."
The proof is not only in the number of former Arena players who have excelled in the NFL - including quarterbacks Warner and Tommy Maddox of the Pittsburgh Steelers and receivers Oronde Gadsden of the Miami Dolphins and David Patten of the New England Patriots - but in the amount of NFL players who have failed to stick in the AFL, such as quarterbacks Glenn Foley and Danny Kanell.
"I think it's very underestimated as to how great these athletes are," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "They're playing both ways. There are a lot of guys playing big-time, NFL football that couldn't play in the Arena league because of the versatility that these guys have.
"They run patterns. Then they've got to turn around and cover people. They rush the passer. They have to pass protect. It's a tough league played by tough guys."
Just ask Mark Dominik. As the Bucs director of pro personnel, he is in charge of recruiting and signing free agents and scouting other professional leagues, such as the AFL.
He said there isn't much difference between NFL and AFL players athletically.
"Obviously, there is going to be some difference because all those guys would be playing in the NFL if there wasn't," Dominik said. "But the thing that makes Arena guys different is that those guys are so versatile because they have to play both sides of the ball."
The Bucs thought enough of Storm receiver/defensive back Antoine "T.T." Toliver to sign him to their practice squad last season. Toliver played on the scout team and performed the role of Raiders receiver Jerry Rice in preparation for the Super Bowl.
Dominik said it is easier to determine the NFL potential of AFL receivers, quarterbacks and defensive backs because their skills translate naturally to the stadium game. Linemen are more problematic because blocking schemes differ dramatically.
But he holds to one cardinal rule when evaluating talent.
"If you're a good football player," Dominik said, "you're going to be found."
It helps, too, when the coach is a fan of the league.
Gruden, whose brother, Jay, plays quarterback for Orlando, said Tampa Bay lineman Al Lucas and offensive specialist Freddie Solomon, San Jose receiver/linebacker Barry Wagner, Orlando defensive specialist Kenny McEntyre and New York quarterback Aaron Garcia are among several Arena players who have caught his attention.
Though many Arena players have NFL experience, their best days aren't necessarily behind them.
"There are some that have the ability to be playing in the NFL, but it's a money issue," said Mitch Matuska, Storm player personnel director. "They can find a comparable player and pay him a rookie salary as opposed to a guy that has vested years in the NFL and they have to pay him accordingly."
Some have the chance to get to the NFL.
Among Storm players, Toliver and Lucas have been offered tryouts with the Green Bay Packers. Solomon has received interest from the Buffalo Bills. Defensive specialist Corey Sawyer worked out for the Bills during the season.
While crossover stars such as Warner and Maddox have achieved success in the NFL, Arena veterans such as receivers/linebackers Lawrence Samuels of Tampa Bay and Hunkie Cooper of Arizona show an NFL contract is not the true measure of their talent.
"It's a very good product," Cooper said, "and has been for a long time."
