“The AFL has been a great outlet for me in my professional career, and hopefully it will continue on as another alternative to play professional football outside of the NFL,” said Alfonzo. “It is time to say goodbye to the sport that I have loved and cherished for many years, a sport that has given me lifelong friends, teammates, and fans that I will never forget.”
Alfonzo began his career in 2002 with the Indiana Firebirds, then played the majority of his AFL career with the Chicago Rush (2003-08, ’10), where he spent seven seasons with the organization and under the direction of current Soul head coach Mike Hohensee.
“It’s been an honor to coach such a tremendous player,” said Hohensee. “DeJuan’s ability to impact plays and games from a position once thought of as a place to hide weaker defenders was remarkable. Zo changed the attitude of the position, and altered the way offensive schemes were designed.”
Alfonzo’s greatest individual achievement came in 2010, when he was selected as Ironman of the Year for his ability to play all-facets of the game, as a linebacker, wide receiver, fullback, place-kick holder, and on kick return and coverage teams. He is a four-time All-Ironman Team selection (2006-08, ’10), a two-time First-Team, All-Arena selection (2007-08), and an ArenaBowl XX champion (2006).
“I would like to thank Coach Ho for taking a chance on an immature kid back in 2003 when nobody else was going to give me the opportunity,” said Alfonzo. “Mike Polisky and the front office staff from the Rush that was so great from 2003-08 with helping my career flourish on and off the field.”
Over his career, Alfonzo totaled 135 receptions for 1,520 yards and 29 touchdowns, and rushed 38 times for 115 yards and 17 touchdowns on offense. Defensively, he recorded 542 total tackles, 50 pass break ups, 11 forced fumbles, 14 fumble recoveries, and 26 interceptions for 457 yards and eight touchdowns. He also added 33 kick returns for 212 yards and five touchdowns.
“The game will miss DeJuan Alfonzo as will the countless amount of fans who showed up at arenas all around the country to watch a true legend of the game make it look easy,” said Hohensee. “I’m glad he is able to leave the game in good health and as a champion.”
The former Indiana State Sycamore defensive back was a First-Team All-American (1999), two-time All-Gateway Conference selection (1998-99), and four-time letter winner (1996-99) who also played in the 1999 All-Star Gridiron Classic. Alfonzo completed his college career with 191 tackles, 26 pass break ups, and 10 interceptions, and set school records in career blocked kicks (five), blocked kicks in a season (three in 1997), and highest career punt return average (13.5 yards).
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