Not ready to retire, Baron back with Rush

When the Arena Football League's Nashville Kats organization folded in October, nose tackle James Baron thought his career might be over.

"I started contemplating that," said Baron, who played for the Chicago Rush from 2002-2004. "I'd never had to do that before."

He came to a quick conclusion that there was more football left in his 34-year-old body.

"I'm an Arena player through and through," Baron said Tuesday at the Rush's media day. "I want to keep (playing) until the wheels fall off."

Baron signed a two-year contract over the weekend, and Tuesday was his second practice with the Rush.

Coach Mike Hohensee said Baron will start at nose tackle Monday when the Rush plays host to San Jose at 8 p.m. in the season opener.

Baron, voted one of the AFL's 20 greatest players, had his right shoulder scoped in the off-season. Baron said the rehabilitation went well, and he doesn't expect the shoulder to hinder him.

Baron had stayed in contact with many of his old Rush teammates, and they were excited that he was going to keep playing. They passed the word on to Hohensee, and pretty soon the Rush front office was on the phone to Baron in Nashville.

"He gave us problems the last couple of years, and that made our decision that much easier," Hohensee said. "He was always a great teammate, and that's what I want to fill that locker room with."

The Rush hopes the addition of Baron can make a talented defense even better.

As for Baron, he's excited about the chance to keep playing football.

"I'm not really playing for money," he said. "Not a lot of guys like to play right there on the nose, but I made a living off it. I enjoy doing it and being a difference-maker. That's what I'm here to do and I plan on producing."

Jack out of the box: The most significant rule change in the off-season involved the jack linebacker.

In previous years, the jack linebacker had to stay within an imaginary box until the quarterback released the ball. Now, as soon as the ball is snapped, the jack linebacker can go from sideline to sideline within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage.

"I think there will be some tremendous collisions downfield," Mike Hohensee said. "I think quarterbacks will hold on to the ball a little longer. There could be more sacks and interceptions."

Hohensee said the Rush is fortunate to have a veteran at this position like DeJuan Alfonzo, who should have an even greater impact on games.

"What plays into his hands is his intelligence," Hohensee said. "He's going to understand how to use this rule probably better than anybody."