INDIANAPOLIS – As the stars align in Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI, AFL Communications will keep you informed with interviews, updates and stories from current and former AFL personalities straight from the media center. On Wednesday, AFL Communications caught up with former Super Bowl Champion and Tampa Bay Storm President Derrick Brooks.

EDITOR: You’re mingling with your guys! I just saw you hug your former teammate Warren Sapp. I’m sure you had a nice little conversation with him. What’s it like being here at the media center during Super Bowl week?

DERRICK BROOKS: It’s fun. Really, you get a chance to see guys you only see once or twice a year here at radio row. It’s fun seeing the former players that are involved in some aspect of the media. A lot of these former players stop by and really make some of these shows better. That’s really what it’s all about.

It’s interesting this year, they invited the fans to come into radio row and be a part of this. The NFL has done a great job of setting this up. It’s a lot of controlled chaos on radio row but everyone has done a great job getting the ‘highest level of talent’ and to give their expert opinion of what is going on with the Super Bowl.

ED: You had a press conference this week with Sirius Satellite Radio. Tell me a bit about that.

DB: Basically, we have a discussion. Some of it is round-table and some of it is at the podium. We tell everyone what is going on in the game and give our expert opinion. They get to ask us an array of questions. It’s an open book. I look forward to it.

ED: You’ve been here before as a player. What was that experience like going back to being a Tampa Bay Buc in the Super Bowl.

DB: I really wasn’t a part of this [media center]! As a player, we had the advantage of not having the bye week in between the Conference Championships and Super Bowl. After the NFC Championship game, we were on a plane to California the next day. We kept it as routine as possible but it is really hard to say it’s a normal week because it’s not. You really have to have a conscious effort going into the game to keep your mind focused on the game. We say, ‘the Super Bowl is for everybody else, but the game is for the players.’ We did a good job at staying focused and we were fortunate enough to get a win.

ED: And what is it like now being on the outside looking in?

DB: You are just covering it. You kind of dig for answers that you already know the answer of being a former player. Playing in the NFL and in the Super Bowl gives you an advantage from the media standpoint. You know what to ask and how to ask it. At the same time, I am always appreciative of the players playing in this ballgame. I know the sacrifice and what they went through to get here.

ED: After the 2011 season with the Tampa Bay Storm, you officially have one season under your belt as team President. Evaluate your first year.

DB: For me, I have to say I’m getting better. We finished the season 7-11. I’m not satisfied with that at all. That’s an F in my opinion because it’s not winning football. We are correcting things this offseason from an operations standpoint, coach’s standpoint and on the field standpoint.

I’m excited going into year two and have learned a lot in this process. The support I have been receiving from ownership and the support staff has been good. Hopefully I can reward them with a winning product on the field.

ED: The game of Arena Football is about the quarterback. This year, you thought you found your guy in Nick Hill. Merely a week ago, he was assigned to the Green Bay Packers. What are your thoughts about that?

DB: It’s really a notch on the belt for the AFL to recognize that talent. We are going to have guys move in and out to the NFL every year. The AFL allows players to do that. When we were assigned Nick Hill, by no means did we think that we would be able to keep him. I’m so proud of him. At the same time, it gives another guy an opportunity in Matt Grothe to step up and earn his stripes. Hopefully he will play well for us and an opportunity to play in the NFL will be there for him too.

ED: I was speaking to Lynn Swann last week about the attractiveness of former NFL players joining AFL teams as executives. He told me it gives those guys a chance to compete again while not playing. How do you feel about it?

DB: You want to operate in a competitive environment, whether it’s front office or on the field. I think it brings out the best in you as a person, not just as a player but a person. If you are a competitive person, you are going to step up and perform. You are going to apply the pressure; you’re not going to feel it. That to me is who I am. That my drive, that’s my leadership style. I go in and get my fingernails dirty. If there is a hole to be dug, I’m grabbing the shovel and going to start digging. I want people to respond to that. I think Lynn was correct. Players just want to compete and be in a competitive environment. No matter what you do as a human being, you have to step up and perform.

ED: We are celebrating the 25^th season of the AFL this year. How important is this for the League and yourself?

DB: To me, it’s tradition. It’s a celebration of the past and also where we will be in the future. We want to be around another 25 years. It’s an educational process and we need every market to tell players that we are here and are not going anywhere. We have proved that we aren’t going anywhere. In my opinion, there is no other League that gives this type of opportunity to players besides the NFL. We have an opportunity to reinvent ourselves this year. If everyone commits to do it, we can get back to being at the high level of football that people remember.

ED: Big game this weekend at Super Bowl XLVI. Giants vs. Patriots, who do you have?

DB: I’m still evaluating. I’m probably leaning defensively to the Giants. It will be a tough game no matter what. People just want to see a tough, competitive football game just like they saw in 2007. I believe it will be a tight ballgame but as it sits right now, the Giants are my early favorite.

ED: Mr. Brooks, thanks for joining us today. Enjoy the rest of this week!

Trevor Vittatoe drops back for a pass. (Credit: UTEP Athletics)

QB Trevor Vittatoe Joins Storm

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Storm has acquired quarterback Trevor Vittatoe, announced vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch.

“Trevor is a guy that really impressed us with his perseverance,” said Gooch.  “He is a player that has shown he has the will and tools to succeed at a high level.  He’ll have an opportunity to continue to develop and refine his skills.”

Vittatoe (6-foot-2, 220 lbs., Texas-El Paso) will enter his rookie season in the Arena Football League with the Tampa Bay Storm.  He was a four-year starter at UTEP (2006-2010). Vittatoe supplanted Jordan Palmer as UTEP’s all-time career leader in passing yards (12,439), passing touchdowns (97), total offense (12,291 yards) and touchdowns responsible for (98). He concluded his career ranked 14th in NCAA history in passing yards and 15th in passing TDs. Vittatoe is the only player in school history to throw for 400 yards in four games, and to pass for five touchdowns on four occasions. He is also the lone signal-caller in Miner annals to pass for 3,000 yards in three separate seasons.

He signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted rookie free agent in the spring of 2011 and was released just prior to the start of the 2012 NFL season.  He is from Bedford, TX and prepped at Trinity H.S. where he won a state title his senior season.

The team also placed kicker Craig Camay (5-11, 200, Tennessee-Chattanooga) on reassignment.

Online Tryout Registration Ends Friday, February 3 at 5:00 PM

Tryout is Saturday, February 11 at Skyway Park

TAMPA BAY – Pre-registration for the February 11 Tampa Bay Storm open tryout camp will end at 5:00 PM Friday, February 3.  The tryout camp will take place at Skyway Park (Tampa, FL) on Saturday, February 11.  Registration will begin at 8:00 AM and testing will start promptly at 9:00 AM.

“We are excited to see the talent at the camp,” said vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch.  “Our goal is to have quality players, not quantity at the camp.  We are very pleased with the response we have had up to this point and have decided to close pre-registration early to ensure we get a good look at each player to fully evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.”

This one-day tryout is open to interested players.  All participants are competing to earn the opportunity to sign a professional contract with the Storm.  Former open tryout players include Hank Edwards, Michael Lindsey, as well as, former Storm greats and AFL Hall of Famers Stevie Thomas and George LaFrance.

The camp will be directed by head coach Dave Ewart.  The coaching staff will evaluate players in combine exercises as well as have their height weight and wing span recorded.   Immediately following the testing participants will participate in position and one-on-one drills.

Interested players are encouraged to pre-register at www.tampabaystorm.com.  Payment is $60 for those who register early and on-line. Pre-registration ends at 5:00 PM on Friday, February 3.

Players can also register at Skyway Park the morning of the open tryout.  Payment is $70 for those that register the day of the open tryout.  Payment must be made by cash or money order.

Skyway Park is located at 3901 George Road, Tampa 33634.

Additional information

* The tryout will be conducted on field turf (not artificial turf).
* Water will be provided.
* First-aid will be available – trainer is not available for taping.
* This is a non-contact camp, no need for shoulder pads or helmets.
* Players must be older than 19 and completed high school eligibility.
* Must bring a form of I.D.
* Kickers will NOT be evaluated at the end of the tryout.
* No Spectators.
* Interested players can still register Saturday morning.

CHICAGO – The Arena Football League today announced the official launch of the AFL Alumni Association.

“This is the 25th season of the Arena Football League. With that being said, we are devoted to recognizing the players that have put so much into this great sport,” AFL Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz said. “Although 2012 is coined the ‘Year of the Fan,’ these players strapped it on. They bled and sweated for this League and have played a major role in why we are still here today.”

The AFL Alumni Association will provide a vast network for former players, coaches, executives, staffers and cheerleaders. The group is aimed at reconnecting alumni with each other, the AFL Office, teams, players, staffs and in the community.

Kurz appointed AFL Hall of Famer Freddie Gayles as President of the AFL Alumni Association. Gayles, who was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 2002, spent 10 years in the AFL with Denver, Albany and Grand Rapids.

George LaFrance, a member of the 2011 AFL Hall of Fame Class, was named as Vice President. The AFL will also appoint an AFL Alumni representative in every AFL market.

“At first it was a concept,” Gayles said. “Now, the AFL Alumni Association is starting to come together and it’s an honor to lead its formation and growth.”

The AFL Alumni Association will offer a number of incentives for members. Upon membership, alumni will receive ticket discounts, an official AFL Alumni membership card, apparel, discounts at Team Fan Shop, invitations to exclusive League functions and events, ability to select a nomination for the AFL Hall of Fame and access to the AFL Alumni database.

“We’ve already launched a private, AFL Alumni group on Facebook, and it’s growing rapidly,” Gayles said. “Then, we will connect members with an email group. In the coming months, the AFL Alumni Association will launch a devoted website for former players, staffers and executives.”

Godsey, now with the New England Patriots won an ArenaBowl Championship with the Storm.

As Super Bowl XLVI approaches, AFL Communications is live in Indianapolis all week. Today, AFL Communications spoke with New England Patriots Offensive Assistant George Godsey about the big game, his experience in the AFL, his good friend Pat O’Hara and his relationship with new Penn State Head Coach Bill O’Brein.

EDITOR: Growing up in Tampa and playing football at Jesuit High School, did the Tampa Bay Storm and Arena Football catch your interest?

GEORGE GODSEY: I’m a football guy. That’s why I coach. My dad played football and was a coach. My brothers are players. Football is in my family. I pay attention to all levels of football, whether it’s the AFL, CFL or college football.

ED: Obviously, it’s a huge accomplishment to be standing here at Media Day, just days away from Super Bowl XLVI. It’s the biggest game of your career. How do you feel?

GG: The players go out there and play. We just try to put them in the right position. My role is a little bit different than a number of the other coaches but it is basically putting them in the right positions.

ED: Patriots Offensive Coordinator Bill O’Brien, soon to be Penn State Head Coach, coached you at Georgia Tech. You put together an outstanding career as a quarterback there. What is your relationship like with O’Brien?

GG: He is a mentor of mine. Most of the coaches that you play for, you grow fond of. I’ve always leaned on him for advice and this year, I’ve learned a lot from him. I learned a lot when I played for him and the relationship has grown.

ED: After your college career, you served as a quarterback for the Tampa Bay Storm in 1993.  Although you saw little playing time, you grew close with then Storm quarterback Pat O’Hara. The team would win the ArenaBowl title that season (1993). Tell me about those memories and your relationship with Pat.

GG: I was behind two veteran quarterbacks in that League, O’Hara and [John] Kaleo. Pat and I still talk everyday. He was a great quarterback and is a professional coach. He carries himself like a professional. That’s why we both are good friends.

ED: O’Hara left the Orlando Predators after the 2011 season and joined the New Orleans VooDoo. What are your thoughts about that?

GG: Coaching is a profession where there is going to be some movement. I know New Orleans has a great coach now. Pat works hard at it. I’m anxious to follow him and go down there and see him as soon as possible.

ED: After your AFL career, you served as a running backs coach at University of Central Florida. How did playing turn into coaching?

GG: George O’Leary was my Head Coach at Georgia Tech. He was the Head Coach at UCF at the time and wanted me to get into coaching. He got me in, I put in a lot of hours for him and he moved me up.

ED: You became the Patriots Offensive Assistant last February. Now, you’re sitting at Media Day for Super Bowl for XLVI. Tell me how that feels.

GG: My role was to get Ryan Mallet and Brain Hoyer in the right mind to play and give us a good look. Bill spent a lot of the time with Brady but I certainly learned a lot from him.

ED: It’s the big question. Bill O’Brein will be the new Head Coach of Penn State following the Super Bowl. It was reported by ESPN that you would follow O’Brein as the team’s quarterback coach following the Super Bowl. Well?

GG: Right now, I’m concentrating on the Super Bowl. I want you to say hello to PO for me, though! It was great speaking with you.

ED: Thanks George! Good luck against the Giants on Sunday!

Kyle Havens in action at the University of Massachusetts.

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Storm has acquired quarterback Kyle Havens from the Spokane Shock in exchange for future considerations, announced vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch.

“We really liked what we saw on tape with Kyle,” said Gooch.  “He is a big kid that we think has a great upside.  We had an opportunity to work with Spokane to add depth to our quarterback position and are pleased we were able to work something out.”

Havens (6-foot-4, 220 lbs., Massachusetts) will enter his rookie season in the Arena Football League with the Tampa Bay Storm.  He spent two seasons (2007-08) at Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill, CA prior to transferring Massachusetts (2009-10).  During his career at UMass he accumulated 4,600 yards passing and 29 touchdowns while completing 365-of-609 passes.  His senior season he finished with a quarterback rating of 144.1 and set a school single-game record with 450 passing yards against New Hampshire.

“I am excited about the situation in Tampa,” said Havens.  “I want to compete and look forward to coming in an winning some football games.”

CHICAGO – The Arena Football League will move to a six-man officiating crew during the 2012 season, AFL Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz announced today. The addition also brings a change to challenge and replay rules in all AFL-markets.

Since the League’s inception in 1987, a five-man officiating team was in place; however, League officials began talks of adding a member to the officiating crew to maintain the accuracy and credibility of the game.

“The discussion started during Week 18 of the 2011 season,” AFL Director of Football Operations Joe Kleinsmith said. “During the 2011 postseason, we added a sixth-man to the officiating crew.”

The six-man mechanic worked and the League opted to use six-man officiating crews during every game of the 2012 AFL season.

“One of our main concerns was interference by both players and fans,” Kleinsmith said. “Instead of just one back judge, we added a second.”

The League will utilize one referee, an umpire, line judge, side judge and two back judges.

“I think that’s a commitment from the AFL to the importance of officiating, fair play and player safety,” AFL Assistant Coordinator of Officials Dave Chesney said.

The AFL will still utilize regional officiating crews, who are rotated and also strategically placed in other areas.

The League has also changed replay and challenge rules for the AFL’s 25^th season in 2012.

Coaches’ challenges and replays will be available in every AFL market for all regular season and post season games. Teams will be awarded two challenges per contest. If they win both, a third challenge will be available. Furthermore, challenges will only be available if the team has a timeout remaining.

The Arena Football League is proud to announce a special edition release of Road to ArenaBowl XXIV DVD Boxset! With all 20 regular season NFL Network “Arena Football Friday” broadcasts, two divisional playoff rounds, AreanaBowl XXIV and commemorative AFL memorabilia, this box set is sure to be the perfect way to get in gear for the 25th season of high scoring, heart stopping, helmet popping action!

Made in conjunction with InVision Media Group and NFL Network, the boxset allows fans to relive their favorite moments from the 2011 season – including an ArenaBowl for the ages and Aaron Garcia’s first championship victory. This is the only way to own every NFL Network game from the 2011 AFL season in the same place, for a minimal charge of 99 dollars.

To purchase the ArenaBowl XXIV DVD Boxset, click here!

A week following the announcement of the Silver Anniversary Committee’s list of the 25 Rowdiest Atmospheres in Arena Football History, Arena Football Nation responded with nearly 400 votes in the League’s ArenaFootball.com Fan Response Poll.

After the Committee’s Top 25 list was posted on January 19, fans were asked to review and discuss what they believed the Committee got right – and what they got wrong – on Facebook, Twitter and the ArenaFootball.com message boards. Soon after, they began submitting their own nominations for voting in the Fan Poll.

But while the fans and Committee agreed on the top spot in the Top 25 Uniforms poll, fans selected a different number one for the League’s Rowdiest Atmosphere of all-time.

“Deaf Valley” – home of the Spokane Shock, who have posted a 13-4 record at home over the last two seasons – earned the fans’ choice for the Rowdiest Atmosphere in Arena Football History, narrowly beating out “The Barn” in Iowa and the Silver Anniversary Committee’s top choice, “The Jungle” in Orlando. Orlando and Iowa finished second and third, respectively in the Fan Poll.

Coming in fourth in the Fan Poll was the “Shark Tank” in Jacksonville, moving up eleven spots from the Silver Anniversary Committee vote. Fans voted the “Thunderdome” era Tampa Bay Storm atmosphere number five.

Moving down one spot in the Fan Poll was the “Snake Pit” in Arizona, while the Detroit Drive moved up one to number seven and the San Jose SaberCats slid down two to eighth. The Utah Blaze, ranked 16th by the Committee, were placed at number nine and the Albany Firebirds of the mid-1990s came in tenth in the Fan Poll, after finishing fourth overall in the Committee vote.

Other notable differences in the Fan Poll included the additions of the Kansas City Command, Cleveland Gladiators and Minnesota Fighting Pike, taking the places of the Dallas Desperados, New York Dragons and Memphis Pharaohs.

Arena Football Fans’ Top 25 Rowdiest Atmospheres in AFL History

1.     Spokane Shock (2010-2011)

2.     Orlando Predators (1998-2000)

3.     Iowa Barnstormers (1995-1997)

4.     Jacksonville Sharks (2010-2011)

5.     Tampa Bay Storm (1991-1996)

6.     Arizona Rattlers (1994-2004)

7.     Detroit Drive (1988-1993)

8.     San Jose SaberCats (2002-2004)

9.     Utah Blaze (2011)

10.   Albany Firebirds (1994-1999)

11.     Chicago Rush (2006-2007)

12.     Nashville Kats (1999-2001)

13.     New Orleans VooDoo (2004)

14.     Philadelphia Soul (2008)

15.     Colorado Crush (2004-2007)

16.     Kansas City Command (2011)

17.     Indiana Firebirds (2001-2004)

18.     Grand Rapids Rampage (2001-2003)

19.     Dallas Desperados (2002-2006)

20.     Los Angeles Avengers (2002-2005)

21.     Cleveland Gladiators (2011)

22.     Columbus Destroyers (2004-2008)

23.     Pittsburgh Gladiators (1987-1990)

24.     Minnesota Fighting Pike (1996)

25.     Milwaukee Mustangs (1996-2000)

Tampa Bay retains rights; Hill placed on Other League Exempt

TAMPA BAY – Tampa Bay Storm quarterback Nick Hill signed with the Green Bay Packers today, announced vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch.

“I am excited about the opportunity the Green Bay Packers are giving me,” said Hill. “This has been a journey and I want to thank the Tampa Bay Storm for its support. The organization has been great to me and I had looked forward to playing in front of the great fans they have in Tampa Bay.”

“This is bittersweet,” said Gooch. “You never want to lose a player such as Nick, but you are always excited when they have an opportunity to take their game to the next level. Nick is exactly the type of player we look for, a guy that has the ability to take his talents to the National Football League.”

Hill (6-foot-3, 215 lbs., Southern Illinois) spent two seasons with South Division rival Orlando Predators prior to joining the Storm. In each of his two seasons with the Predators Hill led his team to the playoffs, including a trip to the American Conference Championship game in 2010.

During the 2011 season Hill led the AFL with 321.8 yards per game average. He ranked second in the AFL with 391 total rushing yards and fourth with 4,758 yards passing and 106 total offensive touchdowns. In 16 games he completed 387 of 578 passes with 97 touchdowns, while adding nine more on the ground. He owns the Predators regular season record for pass completions in a game (36) and season (387), passing yards in a game (393) and season (4,758), as well as touchdown passes in a season (97).

“I am happy for the opportunity Nick will get,” said head coach Dave Ewart. “We were excited to see Nick and Matt compete in camp. That is why you sign two good quarterbacks, you look for competition.”

“I too am extremely happy for Nick and his opportunity with the Packers, as far as his AFL options go, per League procedures we will retain his rights.” said team president Derrick Brooks. “It is our goal to place a competitive team on the field and when you do so, you do it with the knowledge that you are providing your players with an opportunity to play at the next level. We will continue to sign high quality players to our roster and hopefully provide the same opportunities Nick has earned with the Green Bay Packers.”

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm celebrates its 25th season in the AFL. The 2012 Season home opener is Friday, March 16 versus South Division rival Georgia Force. 2012 season tickets and four-game packs are currently on sale; those who purchase season tickets in the promenade level receive a free replica Storm jersey per seat commitment and will receive discounts on merchandise and concessions.