This coming weekend the Sweet Sixteen will be starting. But, if your bracket is shot and the teams you root for our gone, then maybe it is time for some football. That’s right the Arena Football League is starting up again this weekend.

Yes, you read that right, I said Arena Football. To kick that off, I’m going to share an interview with one of my athletes, Joe Phinisee. Joe plays for the Cleveland Gladiators which made it to the Arena Bowl, but was unable to secure the win.

Joe talks about his career, his original aspirations, and the decision to play Arena Football.

AK: Tell us who you are, where you came from, and who you currently play for?

JP:My name is Joe Phinisee.  I am from Warren, OH. I play arena football for the Cleveland Gladiators.

AK: Going into your senior year did you have thoughts of playing collegiately? What were your options and ultimately why did you choose to go to Walsh?

JP: Yes I had thoughts about playing in college. I had a few offers from div 1AA schools but each one went through a coaching change my senior year and my offers were off the table. I went to Walsh because I received a football and basketball scholarship.

AK: How was football different at the collegiate level than the high school level?

JP: Guys were bigger and faster in college. Ha!

AK: You played two other sports in high school and played basketball as well in college. If you had to do it all over again, would you still play those sports or would you focus more on one sport than the other and why?

JP:No I wouldn’t change it for anything. Playing the others sports made me a well-rounded athlete. Now college was different because you had to juggle between classes and 2 sports. But I enjoyed both worlds in college.

AK: As a senior in college, did you feel you had a shot to play professionally? If so, what was the process like – getting an agent, pro day, tryouts for teams.

JP:Yes, I felt I had a chance to play professionally. The process is a little crazy because you have to talk to agents to see which one best suits you. Being a free agent I would get a call the day before a tryout and was told I had to work out in front of NFL teams the next day. Being scouted, your phone constantly rings.

AK: I’m sure arena football was not your first choice, but how did the opportunity to come up?

JP: No arena football was not my first choice, but after I had a workout with the NFL, my agent told me I should try arena just to stay in shape until someone calls. So Cleveland called me to do a private workout for them. And after that I have been playing for them ever since. It has been a good journey.

AK: You’ve played in the arena league for several years now. What has that been like? Obviously it’s a different style game then regular football but besides that what’s the differences between being a college football player and a pro?

JP: Playing arena has been fun, it’s a fast paced, high scoring family game. The kids and fans love it because we interact with them during the games. The difference between being a pro, is for one you get paid. And 2, you have to constantly work on your craft. There is no one to baby you. So you have to do the little things on your own like stay to watch film and preparing yourself.

AK: What have been some of your highlights as a pro?

JP: The relationships you build with people around the country. Being able to talk to kids and tell my story. And also the travel is a couple highlights for me being a pro.

AK: Why have you decided to play so long in the arena league? Were there other shots at playing in the NFL? You really enjoy it?

JP: Actually it just worked out that way. I received calls from teams, but no one actually brought me in to camp. Yes I really enjoy playing this game. And it makes it even better playing in front of family and friends. Especially when you have younger cousins who look up to you.

AK: Can you make a good living as an arena league football player?

JP: Yes, you can make a good living as long as you are mature with your money. This will probably be my last season because I want to get into my degree.

AK:  What does your future hold? How much longer are you wanting to play? What would you like to do beyond football?

JP: I would like to have a federal job, when it’s all said and done.

AK: I don’t know how many people aspire to be in the arena league, but what would your advice be to those players who this might be a viable option? What would they need to do to get noticed and make a squad?

JP:I would say to anyone if you love the game of football that this game is a business and it’s run like the NFL, (not their pay scale though).  But make sure you always have film ready. Because the arena league scouts you out of college too. They also have open tryouts as well to showcase your talent.

Thanks a lot Joe for the interview and good luck with this season!

Photo courtesy of Mike Morris on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/23471940@N02/