Albany's Joe Sykes Named Defensive Lineman of the Year
Wednesday July 18, 2018
Sykes wins award for 4th time in his career
LAS VEGAS – The Arena Football League has announced that Albany Empire defensive lineman Joe Sykes has been named 2018 AFL Defensive Lineman of the Year. This is Sykes’ fourth time winning this award.
Sykes (6’4, 285, Southern) started in all 12 games for the Empire in 2018 and tallied 17.5 tackles (13/9) during the regular season. A disruptive force for the opposing offense, Sykes lead the League with 7.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.
AFL DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR |
||
YEAR |
PLAYER |
TEAM |
2018 |
Joe Sykes |
Albany |
2017 |
Khreem Smith |
Baltimore |
2016 |
Jake Metz |
Philadelphia |
2015 |
Joe Sykes |
Jacksonville |
2014 |
James Ruffin |
Spokane |
2013 |
Joe Sykes |
San Antonio |
2012 |
Joe Sykes |
San Jose |
2011 |
Cliff Dukes |
Tampa Bay |
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The Arena Football League will enter its 31st Season in 2018. Since its inception in 1987, the Arena Football League has showcased a fast-paced and exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. Teams slated for 2018 include: Albany, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. CBS Sports Network nationally broadcasts AFL games each week, culminating with the ArenaBowl. The AFL launched AFLNow, the League’s streaming “Over-the-Top” network to give fans even more access to the League on arenafootball.com. For all the latest news and discussion on the Arena Football League follow the AFL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@aflarenaball).