Former NFL Defensive Backs Assigned to Blaze
Thursday January 10, 2013
Defensive Backs Leggett, Brown Bolster Utah Secondary
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Blaze have agreed to terms with former NFL defensive backs Maurice Leggett and Marcus Brown, the franchise announced today. Leggett arrives in Utah after a four-year NFL career that included stops in Kansas City and Detroit, while Brown most recently played for the Miami Dolphins.
Leggett (6-0, 195, Valdosta State) played three seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He became the first undrafted player to earn the Mack Lee Hill Award as the team’s top rookie after starting eight games on defense in his first year. Leggett returned his only interception 27 yards for a touchdown and also scored on a 67-yard fumble return as a rookie.
In 2009, Leggett played in 10 games for the Chiefs and contributed 15 tackles (14 solo) and five pass breakups before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury. He returned to the team in 2010, but suffered another injury during training camp that landed him on injured reserve for the remainder of the year. Leggett joined the Detroit Lions for training camp in 2011.
“Maurice is the kind of player that always seems to be around the football,” said Head Coach Ron James. “He has a knack for making big plays, and will contribute to our team on both defense and special teams. We always look for playmakers and defensive backs with excellent ball skills. Maurice has all of the tools needed to succeed in Arena Football. I’m excited to get him into camp.”
Brown (6-1, 195, Mississippi Valley State) entered the NFL in 2010, signing with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent. He spent the majority of his rookie season on the practice squad, but was elevated to the active roster for Seattle’s season-finale against the St. Louis Rams.
Brown participated in training camp with the Seahawks in 2011, but was waived during final cuts. He joined the Miami Dolphins as a member of the practice squad late in the year and attended training camp with the team the following season.
“Marcus brings an element of size that was missing from our secondary last season,” James stated. “He’s a big, strong defensive back that can physically compete with AFL wide receivers. He’s also remarkably athletic for a player of his stature. I’m certainly glad he’s going to be wearing the orange and black next season.”
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