Beyond Sports: So how long have you been playing football, Bill? You seem to have a very long resume.

I have been playing this game for over 30 years. My football resume is almost as long as my professional resume!

Beyond Sports: At what positions have you competed, and which ones did you like best?

I have played on both sides of the ball. In high school, I was a defensive end. In college I played both defensive end and linebacker. Semi pro and Arena has seen me at offensive line. I started out as a guard and have been playing center in several leagues for the last 4 seasons. I have to say that center has been my favorite position and the one I have had the most success at.

Beyond Sports: How long did you play for Widener University? Do you feel that you gained some fundamental experience there?

I transferred to Widener University from Montgomery Junior College. I played for legendary Division III Head Coach Bill Manlove for two seasons; he was the 4th active coach with the most wins in NCAA history at the time I played for him. I do feel that I gained some valuable experience at Widener University. I feel that most of the true fundamental experience I picked up was at the Junior College level from head coach Phil Martin. He and his staff truly ran a great program that gave many area players a chance to take their game to the next level.

Beyond Sports: Tell me about the various leagues you have played for and what you have drawn from those experiences?

I have played in the NAFL, DFL, ECFA and CIFL (Pro). I started my semi pro career with the PG Pirates of the DFL. I then went on to play the last 3 season with the DC Explosion of the NAFL. The DC Explosion have won the Capital Division the last two years and have gone on to win back to back USA Bowl Championships in 2006 and 2007. Also in 2006, I went to play for the Frederick Outlaws of the DFL where we won the Diamond Bowl Championship. The Outlaws moved to the ECFA in 2006. Each team I have played for has been a unique experience. I started out in semi pro football with a losing record my first season. Since then, I have played back to back seasons since 2005 and have either won or competed in a league championship each year. I have learned how to win and how to overcome adversity along the way. In 2007, I played and started in 31 games (wining 23 games), competed in 2 league Championships (winning 1), played internationally for Team USA and played in my first professional game in Arena football

Beyond Sports:  You've received all-star honors and won multiple championships in the NAFL. What do you think most contributed to that success?

I have been an All Star at center in the NAFL. I have won back to back USA Bowl Championship rings since 2006. I feel that hard work in both the gym and the playing field along with great teammates and a great organization have been the keys to my success.


Beyond Sports: I understand you were on a recent episode of Pros vs. Joes, which also featured star NFL running back Ricky Williams. What a unique experience that must have been. How were you cast for the show and what are your thoughts on the experience?

Pros vs. Joes contacted the owner of the DC Explosion, Mark Martin and asked him to send a QB and a Center. I spent an entire week at RFK stadium in DC in October and shot two episodes, one with Ricky Williams and one with former pro bowl linebacker Jesse Armstead. I had a blast doing the episodes with teammates from the DC Explosion. We were extras on the set and we were able to add some more realism to the show which had previously been one on one drills with the Pros dominating the Joes. I played center and snapped the ball from the shotgun formation and directly to the QB. In the episode with Jesse Armstead, I was part of an offensive line that went up against extras on the defensive line to make a goal line drive with the Joes trying to run through the “A gap” against Jesse Armstead.


Beyond Sports: Bill thanks a bunch for taking time out of your schedule for this interview, we really appreciate it. Good luck.