In a move likely to cement him in the hearts of American Freedom fans everywhere, Defensive Tackle Justa Playa has signed a contract extension with the team.
The Freedom drafted Playa with the #8 pick in last season's Unofficial GLB Draft, trading their 1st and 2nd round picks (30th and 31st overall) to move up to snag the player that most touted as the best overall player in the draft.
"He was #1 on our draft board from day 1," says Freedom owner Norsemanvike. "DT was also our biggest need, and I think it's safe to say that he filled it in a big way."
After a Defensive MVP season with 77 Tackles, 23 Forced Fumbles, and 27 Sacks, Playa was highly sought after by various teams. After the Freedom's troubles this season, many expected him to move on chasing the possibility of a larger contract and playing time in the Pros, but he decided to stick with the Freedom, citing the bonds that he has built with his teammates.
The Freedom had the ultimate rollercoaster year. Near the middle of season 8, their DC was convicted on legal charges and dismissed from the team. Some players closely linked to the DC were also dismissed from the team, as well as some others who left amidst the chaos. In all, the Freedom had to replace 20 players and their DC, ruining the team's chemistry.
"That 2-5 start was rough on all of us," commented Playa, "But as the season went on we came together as a team and finished on an 8-1 streak beating some of the toughest teams in the league. The kind of bonds that are created when facing adversity like that are just something that I can't bring myself to break."
With their 8-1 streak to end the season, the Freedom earned a playoff berth and beat the Oklahoma Bootleggerz in the first round before eventually falling to the Miami Perfection in the second round.
Justa Playa's return to the team will mean a lot as the Freedom move into Season 10. They expect to keep most of their roster intact, as well as upgrading at a few positions, but keeping their defensive leader will certainly be a huge boost to the defense.
Even the Freedom's offensive coordinator, Wei Wu Wei, added "Playa is such a game changing player on defense, that the offense needs him as well!"
Emotions are high and expectations are higher for Playa and the Freedom for next season. Time will tell if they live up to them.
The Freedom drafted Playa with the #8 pick in last season's Unofficial GLB Draft, trading their 1st and 2nd round picks (30th and 31st overall) to move up to snag the player that most touted as the best overall player in the draft.
"He was #1 on our draft board from day 1," says Freedom owner Norsemanvike. "DT was also our biggest need, and I think it's safe to say that he filled it in a big way."
After a Defensive MVP season with 77 Tackles, 23 Forced Fumbles, and 27 Sacks, Playa was highly sought after by various teams. After the Freedom's troubles this season, many expected him to move on chasing the possibility of a larger contract and playing time in the Pros, but he decided to stick with the Freedom, citing the bonds that he has built with his teammates.
The Freedom had the ultimate rollercoaster year. Near the middle of season 8, their DC was convicted on legal charges and dismissed from the team. Some players closely linked to the DC were also dismissed from the team, as well as some others who left amidst the chaos. In all, the Freedom had to replace 20 players and their DC, ruining the team's chemistry.
"That 2-5 start was rough on all of us," commented Playa, "But as the season went on we came together as a team and finished on an 8-1 streak beating some of the toughest teams in the league. The kind of bonds that are created when facing adversity like that are just something that I can't bring myself to break."
With their 8-1 streak to end the season, the Freedom earned a playoff berth and beat the Oklahoma Bootleggerz in the first round before eventually falling to the Miami Perfection in the second round.
Justa Playa's return to the team will mean a lot as the Freedom move into Season 10. They expect to keep most of their roster intact, as well as upgrading at a few positions, but keeping their defensive leader will certainly be a huge boost to the defense.
Even the Freedom's offensive coordinator, Wei Wu Wei, added "Playa is such a game changing player on defense, that the offense needs him as well!"
Emotions are high and expectations are higher for Playa and the Freedom for next season. Time will tell if they live up to them.
