EVERETT – One of the Everett Hawks’ most popular players has flown the nest for loftier heights.
John Fields, whose game-altering defensive plays sparked Everett to successive victories after the fledgling af2 team started out 0-7 last season, has signed a contract with the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League.
“It’s a great opportunity. I look forward to becoming a defensive force and contributing,” Fields said. “The fans in Everett were great and I thank them for everything.”
Terms of the contract were not disclosed, but it is believed to be a two-year deal that pays the 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive end more than the AFL minimum of $1,800 per game. In the af2, players receive $200 per game with a $50 bonus paid for a victory.
Philadelphia coach Bret Munsey called Fields – one of three af2 player’s recently signed by the Soul – a valuable addition to a team which last season advanced to the second round of the playoffs.
“John’s a high energy guy with a knack for getting to the quarterback,” Munsey said. “In this league that’s the name of the game.”
Fields, the first Everett player to make the highest level of arena football, joins a Philadelphia franchise which has succeeded at the gate. In three years of existence, the Soul – owned by rock star Jon Bon Jovi – has attracted a league best 387,491 fans to 24 regular-season home games.
Everett owner Sam Adams, a former Seattle Seahawk who plays for the Cincinnati Bengals, was elated despite the departure of a key player.
“Of course it’s tough to lose a guy like that, but that’s the purpose of what I’m doing,” Adams said. “He’s worked very hard and I’m proud of him.”
Fields said he learned technique from workouts with Adams and credited the former Hawks coaching staff – head coach Tony Wells and assistants Tony Missick and Rodney Swanigan – with promoting his skills around the AFL.
Fields said several teams pursued him, but he declined to name them.
After missing virtually the entire 2005 season with a broken ankle, Fields missed five games due to a groin injury in 2006 – Everett’s first season at the af2 level – but wreaked havoc with opponents in 11 contests.
The Central Washington University graduate led Everett in tackles for loss (7.5) and was second in sacks (5.0). He made 25.5 tackles, broke up three passes, blocked two kicks, recovered a fumble and forced another.
Fields’ fourth quarter heroics against Stockton on May 27 at the Everett Events Center endeared him to fans. His fourth down defensive stop at the goal line and a later quarterback sack that caused a fumble turned the tide in Everett’s favor and keyed a comeback victory after seven losses.
The following week, his quarterback sack for a safety jumpstarted Everett’s triumph over Birmingham.
Munsey was initially impressed by what he saw on film and was sold on Fields after workouts in Philadelphia last month.
“He’s a great kid and passionate about football,” Munsey said. “On and off the field, you want him to be part of your organization.”
Fields, a graduate of Mount Rainier High School in Des Moines and a volunteer assistant football coach at Ballard High School for the past two seasons, should benefit from a major rule change in 2007. The requirement for players to play offense and defense has been eliminated in the AFL and af2 – with the exception of designated specialists.
Fields can focus on what he does best, which is menace quarterbacks.
“He’s just a pass rushing guy … a true speed rusher,” Munsey said.
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