Xavier Brown, Gary Cismesia Re-assigned During Exclusive Period

Tuesday October 23, 2012

NEW ORLEANS (October 23, 2012) – The New Orleans VooDoo re-assigned defensive lineman Xavier Brown and kicker Gary Cismesia, announced the front office on Tuesday afternoon.

Brown was second among rookies in the AFL last season with 10.0 sacks, and in games where he recorded a sack for the VooDoo, the team’s record was 3-1. Brown was acquired via a midseason trade with the Chicago Rush, and was a welcomed addition to the VooDoo defensive line that had been decimated by injuries.

The Long Island, N.Y. native finished the 2011 season with 24.0 tackles, 10.0 tackles for a loss, 10.0 sacks, 4 pass breakups, 4 forced fumbles, and a safety.

“Xavier is a great young player that has an unlimited ceiling on what he can accomplish and we are happy to have him back,” said VooDoo Head Coach Pat O’Hara. “He gave us a boost on our defensive line and was a key piece for our playoff run.”

Like Brown, Cismesia was a midseason addition to the squad, and also like Brown, his assignment was a welcomed one. Cismesia was the VooDoo’s fourth kicker of the season, and made an immediate impact in his first game against Jacksonville in Week 17 by converting 8-of-9 PAT attempts while also making good on a 30-yard field goal. The field goal came in the 4th quarter to give the VooDoo a two-score (51-40) advantage over the Sharks.

Cismesia also had a three-game stretch where he connected on 21 consecutive PAT attempts. With the VooDoo, he finished the season 2-of-3 on field goals, and 29-of-31 on PATs.

“Gary not only was a good fit in our kicking game, but a good overall fit to our team last season. His personality was well received,” said Coach O’Hara. “I am happy to have him come back to New Orleans. I look forward to seeing him build upon last season’s success.”

TRANSACTION – New Orleans VooDoo of the Arena Football League re-assigned DL Xavier Brown and K Gary Cismesia to two-year assignments.

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