Brett Dietz: The AFO Interview
by Richard Giorgi
When John Kaleo went down early in the 2nd quarter of the Week 8 game against a tough Columbus Destroyers defense, coach Tim Markum made the coaching decision that ultimately turned around the season for the Tampa Bay Storm. Saddled at that point with a 1-6 record and a stagnant offense, Markum turned the quarterbacking duties over to AFL rookie Brett Dietz.
Dietz threw for 165 yards and 2 TDs in that game against the Destroyers, leading the Storm to their second victory of the season and giving the team a much needed confidence boost. Under Dietz's leadership, the Storm went on to win their next three games, and eight of their last nine, capping an improbable run to the playoffs. Dietz finished with an impressive 2374 yards and 47 TDs in those 8 1/2 starts, throwing a paltry 7 interceptions.
"I was prepared for that chance," says Dietz. "That came from playing in af2 and spending time on the Tampa Bay practice squad. So I knew the offense already, but it also came down to coaching, and Coach Marcum and especially Pat O'Hara worked with me individually and had me ready for that game."
All that preparation payed off for Dietz in a big way in 2007, as he was voted the Co-Rookie of the Year, an honor he shared with Charles Frederick. Going into the 2008 season as the starter, Dietz has the chance to be a Top 5 Fantasy quarterback and will be a steal in your draft if he lasts into the 3rd round.
But heading into last season, Brett Dietz was most likely not on your fantasy radar. Only the most astute owners added Dietz to their rosters after his relief role in Columbus, but those who did reaped huge rewards in the second half of the season. How does Dietz feel about being a key late-season acquisition and saving the fantasy seasons of Lawrence Samuels and Terrill Shaw?
"It makes me feel good because I play NFL fantasy football and it definitely makes me look at it from a different perspective. I didn't think for a second that there was an Arena Football fantasy league but it makes me feel good that someone was rooting for me to put up good numbers every week, and I hope I did that for them."
With the popularity of the Arena Football League exploding, Dietz feels that fantasy sports has a big impact on building fan interest. "I think it helps a lot," he says, "because friends of mine who would normally never watch an NFL game will sit down and watch because their fantasy player is involved. It definitely helps to have fantasy sports for the Arena League. I'm glad it's there and I hope it continues to grow."
So heading into 2008 as the starter for the Storm, coming off a Rookie of the Year season, exactly where would Dietz draft himself? Ask a confident and humble man this question and you'll get exactly the answer that you'd expect. After a slight hesitation, Dietz replied "I'd draft myself in the 1st round for sure. Look at the offensive weapons we have coming back -- Terrill Shaw is coming back, Lawrence Samuels is coming back, Hank Edwards is coming back -- and that's not counting any new players we sign. So I think coming off a positive year, with my confidence high, you'll probably get a lot of the same stats you saw over the last nine weeks of the season. I would look for the same production."
"So if you liked the production last year, then you'll like it this year."
As the only quarterback in professional sports to ever throw for 12 TDs in a single game (in 2006 with the Louisville Fire of af2), who can argue with Dietz when he says he'll produce? Can he beat Chris Greisen's record 117 TDs in a season?
"I look to it (the record) as motivation but that's not my goal. If I go out there trying to break that record, that means I'm thinking about stats and I'm probably forcing the ball if I'm trying to throw 10 TDs per game. It's about getting first downs and getting touchdowns, whether it's rushing or passing. It's possible that someone could throw 12 TDs in an AFL game and I think someone is going to do it eventually. I just hope it's me."
Rich Giorgi has been following the Arena Football League and participating in arena fantasy leagues since 2000. He is also a member of the Arena Football League Writer's Association. Contact Rich at info@arenafootballonline.com
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