Brennen Carvalho returns to help anchor Soul line
Thursday November 29, 2012
Former All-Arena Offensive Lineman Returns to Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (November 28, 2012) – The American Conference Champion Philadelphia Soul and the Arena Football League announce that center, Brennen Carvalho (6’1, 310, Portland State) will return to the team for the 2013 season after agreeing to terms on a one-year contract. The former All-Arena center will be entering his fourth season in the AFL.
In 2012, Carvalho anchored the offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks (5) and blocked for the League’s leading rusher, Derrick Ross, as he shattered the AFL’s single-season rushing yardage record (645). He played in 16 regular-season games and all three postseason contests for the Soul. He also played in the last two ArenaBowls (2011 with Arizona and 2012 with Philadelphia) and was named Second Team All-Arena in 2011 with the Rattlers.
“Brennen was a big part of our success on offensive line last season,” said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel. “Center is one of the most important positions on the team and – without a doubt – Brennen is an All-Arena caliber lineman who will be a key piece to our overall success on offense.”
Carvalho also spent time in the National Football League before joining the AFL. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as a rookie free agent and spent the season on the team’s practice squad (2008).
Before starting his pro career Carvalho was a standout player at Portland State (2004-07). He started in 39 consecutive games, the most of any player in the 2007 senior class, and was named to the First-Team All-Big Sky three years in a row (2005-07). During his senior season, Carvalho also received the Division I FCS Remington Award, which is given to the nation’s best center.
Carvalho was born in Kapa’a, Hawaii. He attended Kamehameha High School where he lettered three times and was First Team All-League as a junior and senior and First Team All-State as a senior as well.
ABOUT THE PHILADELPHIA SOUL
The Philadelphia Soul capped their seventh Arena Football League season by capturing the 2012 American Conference championship. The Soul will open their season on Saturday, March 23 in a re-match of ArenaBowl XXV when they travel to Phoenix to play the Arizona Rattlers on CBS Sports Network. For 2013 season tickets, contact the Soul sales department at (215) 253-4900 ext. 3, or request contact from a representative by filling out the form on www.philadelphiasoul.com. Follow the Soul on Facebook at facebook.com/soul and Twitter at twitter.com/soulfootball.