Rush star Alfonzo named AFL Ironman of the Year

Featuring skills at both wide receiver and linebacker, DeJuan Alfonzo of the Chicago Rush has been named the Arena Football League's Ironman of the Year, the AFL announced Wednesday.

Alfonzo was a major factor on offense, defense and special teams in 2010 for a Chicago Rush squad that finished 10-6 and advanced to the playoffs for the ninth-consecutive season.

"'Zo has been one the game's best - and most valuable - players for a long time," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "His ability to play at a high level all over the field truly makes him one of the game's special players. We would not have been as successful without him."

Regarded as one of the top linebackers in AFL history, Alfonzo (6-0, 205, Indiana State) had 63 tackles, 4 interceptions - 3 returned for touchdowns and 12 passes broken up this season for the Rush defense.

When injuries depleted the Rush wide receiving corps, Alfonzo moved to offense and he caught 28 passes for 328 yards and 2 touchdowns and rushed for 26 yards and 4 TDs.

In addition, Alfonzo was the team's holder on all extra points and field goals and the team's best performer on kick returns and kickoff coverage.

Alfonzo becomes the second Rush player to be named the AFL's Ironman of the Year, joining Dameon Porter, who won the award in 2001.

Along with being named Ironman of the Year, Alfonzo also anchors the league's All-Ironman team, which features the best two-way players in the AFL. It is the fourth-consecutive season in which Alfonzo has been named to the league's All-Ironman team.