AFL Press Release
LAS VEGAS (August 17, 2016) – The Arena Football League Office announces that Arizona Rattlers center Jordan Mudge has been named Spalding Offensive Lineman of the Year and Philadelphia Soul defensive end Jake Metz has been named VidSwap Defensive Lineman of the Year.
Mudge (6-3, 305, Nevada) helped anchor a Rattler offensive line that allowed only eight sacks in 2016. The three-year AFL veteran and first-time First Team All-Arena selection started 14 games and saw action in 15 games this year in his first season in Arizona. This is Mudge’s first Offensive Lineman of the Year selection and the third time a member of the Rattlers has won the award.
Metz (6-6, 265, Shippensburg) enjoyed a very successful sophomore season in the AFL. In his second season with the Soul, Metz led the League in sacks with 8.0 and ranked No. 2 in tackles-for-loss with 7.0 while tacking on 29.5 total tackles in the 16 games he started this season while earning First Team All-Arena honors for the first time in his career. This is Metz’ first Defensive Lineman of the Year selection and the first time Soul player has won the award.
| Offensive Lineman of the Year | ||
| 2016 | Jordan Mudge | Arizona |
| 2015 | Shannon Breen | Philadelphia |
| 2014 | Rich Ranglin | San Jose |
| 2013 | Billey Eisenhardt | Arizona |
| 2012 | Kyle Young | Arizona |
| 2011 | Rich Ranglin | Kansas City |
| Defensive Lineman of the Year | ||
| 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 |
| 2010 | Gabe Nyenhuis | Tulsa |
| 2008 | Colston Weatherington | Dallas |
| 2007 | Greg White | Orlando |
| 2006 | Colston Weatherington | Dallas |
| 2005 | Silas Demary | Los Angeles |
| 2004 | John Moyer | Chicago |
| 2003 | Tom Briggs | Dallas |
| 2002 | R-Kal Truluck | Detroit |
| 2001 | James Baron | Nashville |
| 2000 | Sam Hernandez | San Jose |
| 1999 | Robert Stewart | New Jersey |
| 1998 | James Baron | Nashville |
| 1997 | Carlos Fowler | Texas |
| 1996 | Kent Wells | Tampa Bay |
| 1991 | John Corker | Detroit |