Rattlers welcome back Dukes

Tuesday February 26, 2013

DL assigned to Rattles through 2014

Mesa, AZ - The Arizona Rattlers have announced today that they have been assigned defensive lineman Cliff Dukes on a two year contract.

Dukes (6-4, 295, Michigan State) played in 13 games for the Rattlers last season recording 20.5 tackles, 16 solo. He also had six sacks and one fumble recovery.

"Cliff played a big part in us winning the Championship last year. He was exactly what we needed on the defensive line," said Rattlers General Manager and Head Coach Kevin Guy. "He brought a physical toughness to our football team."

Dukes was traded to the Rattlers from Kansas City in February of 2012 for JC Neal, just two days after being traded from the Tampa Bay Storm to the Command.

Dukes was named the League’s Game Tape Exchange Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2011 after leading the league and setting a Storm franchise record with 16 tackles for loss. An All-Arena selection in 2010 and 2011, Dukes collected a league-high 21.5 sacks during those two seasons. He earned Defensive Player of the Week honors twice in 2011.

Prior to joining the Storm in 2008, Dukes spent time on the NFL rosters of the St. Louis Rams, New Orleans Saints and the Detroit Lions.