Offensive and Defensive Lineman of the Year Announced

Friday August 2, 2019

AFL Announces First Individual Player Awards for the 2019 Season

Philadelphia, Pa. (August 2, 2019) – The Arena Football League today announced Ryan Cave of the Albany Empire earned the Offensive Lineman of the Year award, and Joe Sykes of the Albany Empire won the Defensive Lineman of the Year award, recognizing their strong efforts in the team’s successful season.

This is Cave’s first Offensive Lineman of the Year Award, and Sykes’ fifth Defensive Lineman of the Year award (also 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018).

Cave played an integral role with an offensive line that defended its quarterback intensely and consistently. In all 12 games this season, the Empire’s offensive line allowed the fewest sacks against in the League, with just two allowed for a total loss of just 14 yards. Cave served as a strong anchor for the O-line, just as he did in 2018 with the Empire.

Sykes, who finished the season with 6.5 sacks, good for second most in the League, holds his place in AFL history as the all-time League sacks leader with 67.5. Sykes started his 2019 campaign in the season-opener with three tackles for loss (two sacks), which tied the single-game high this season. The DE led the League in total tackles for loss (9, 8 unassisted), tackles for loss yards (50), and sack yards (45). He ranks second in total fumble return yards (21) and fumble return yards per game (3.4). Sykes also ranks tied for third in career forced fumbles (22).

Both Cave and Sykes also earned All-Arena First Team honors, announced on August 1. The OL and DE teammates were also both named to the All-Arena First Team in 2018. Cave and Sykes helped their team achieve the best record in the League in 2019 (10-2), earning the No. 1 seed during the playoffs, which continue this weekend on Aug. 3 and Aug. 4.