Tom Briggs` Dual Personalities
Scott Smithey
Saturday March 15, 2003
Tom Briggs is the fuel that keeps the Dallas Desperados` motor going. During any game it is not uncommon to see him throw a quarterback into the wall, get into a shoving match with an opposing lineman, or rip someone`s helmet off. Briggs is quick to lose his temper, but also restores order when things get heated. He reminds me of a Wyatt Earp character (only without the hair). If the Desperados continue their winning ways, Briggs could run for the sheriff of this town.
Head Coach Joe Avezzano calls Briggs, "a quiet player that is a joy to coach.`` With all due respect to Avezzano, the common fan sees everything but quiet on the football field. But off of the field you see a different person. You see one that supports and respects his teammates and coaches. You see someone who is glad to be in Dallas.
On a team where Jim Kubiak, Andy McCullough, and Dialleo Burks get most of the glory, Tom Briggs is content to carry out his role. In a recent game against the Colorado Crush, Briggs made several statements in the team`s breakout second half that led to a runaway win. Two in-your-face quarterback pressures led to two interceptions (one that was returned for a touchdown) and he caused a fumble that led to another touchdown return. All of this was in a span of about 10 minutes. By the way, Briggs is the current league leader in sacks with 5.5.
In the AFL, you are only half as valuable if you can only play on one side of the ball. "I`ve had to concentrate harder on being an offensive lineman," he admitted.
See, Dallas, like most AFL teams, only sign defensive rush linemen who are taught to play offense. Briggs takes pride in protecting the league’s second rated passer in Kubiak. You will also see Briggs on the kickoff team. He actually calls this "fun." Refreshing in an age where professional football players beg off of special teams.
Dallas is fortunate to still have Tom Briggs. He was actually an unsigned free agent this past December, and Briggs re-signed for less money and turned down two "better" offers so he could stay in Dallas. A lot of credit must go to Desperado line coach Jon Norris. Briggs gives Norris all of the credit for making him into one of the league’s best linemen on both sides of the ball.
Calling Briggs a schizophrenic may not seem fair. I believe coaches like it that way. You get the appearance that Briggs is a nice person and great role model off of the field. Don`t believe that if you are wearing a different-colored jersey than Tom Briggs on the football field.
Scott Smithey is a high school teacher and coach (23 years). He has a degree in Journalism and has pioneered high school student newspapers. He is also a high school coach with seven years experience as a head coach and has coached soccer, track, baseball and powerlifting. Scott is married to a high school teacher and coach, and has three sons active in football at the high school and collegiate levels. He is pationate about sports, family and photography.
