DeJuan Alfonzo

DeJuan R. Alfonzo (born January 12, 1977 in Indianapolis, Indiana) is an American football wide receiver/linebacker for the Chicago Rush of the Arena Football League (AFL). Alfonzo attended Indiana State University.

College and NFL career

Alfonzo was a first-team All-American defensive back in 1999 with Indiana State and a 4 time letterwinner in 1996-1999. Finished his college career with 191 tackles and 10 interceptions. He set school records for most blocked kicks in a career with 5, most blocked kicks in a season with 3, and highest punt return average with 13.5 yards.

Alfonzo went on to go to training camp with the Baltimore Ravens in 2000, but did not make the team.

AFL career

Alfonzo entered the AFL in 2001 with the Indiana Firebirds but spend the whole season on injured reserve. He played the 2002 season and then was released prior to the 2003 season. Alfonzo went on to sign with the Chicago Rush and has been with the team ever since. Alfonzo began his Rush career as a defensive specialist, but rotated also as a WR/DB until becoming the teams WR/LB in late 2006. Alfonzo was a key figure in the teams run to ArenaBowl XX in 2006. Alfonzo was named the teams Ironman of the Year, as he played wide receiver, linebacker, special teams, and held on field goals and extra points.

With the new free substitution rule added to the game in 2007, Alfonzo was regulated mainly as the team's jack linebacker, but still remained active as an Ironman, lining up as a receiver or fullback at times. Despite the reduced time on the field, Alfonzo was still a playmaker, being named by many as the best jack linebacker in the league.