- By: Will Proctor,
- in Uncategorized
Derrick Summers is one of the many new players assigned to the LA KISS this off-season. The coaching staff is counting on Summers to make a huge impact on the defensive side of the ball this season. The defensive lineman brings five years of AFL experience to the LA KISS. The native of Southfield, Michigan spent his first three years in the league with the Jacksonville Sharks. In 2011, Summers played a major role and was a huge asset for the Jacksonville Sharks ArenaBowl XXIV championship campaign. This same year he was awarded to the “Second team All-Arena”, which means he was one of the best six defensive lineman in the league. Summers is joining the LA KISS after spending two excellent seasons with the Spokane Shock. During his time in Eastern Washington, he set career highs in a variety of categories, including solo tackles (37), total tackles (44.5) and tackles for loss (14). Summers has tallied 149 tackles, including 41 tackles for loss and 35.5 sacks, in his first five years in the AFL.
Before Summers reported to training` camp, we were able to chat with him about his life and his experiences in the AFL.
LA KISS: If you have a nickname what is it?
Derrick Summers: DJ.
LAK: What is your favorite type of music?
DS: Rap and R&B.
LAK: What is your favorite type of food?
DS: Pasta with alfredo chicken.
LAK: What is your least favorite food?
DS: Grapefruit.
LAK: What was your favorite football team growing up?
DS: Since I am from Michigan, I was always a Detroit Lions fan.
LAK: What would be your ultimate Sports Center highlight?
DS: Making a game-winning sack to end a game.
LAK: Finish this sentence; nobody knows how much you like to:
DS: Play the game of football.
LAK: Describe your most embarrassing moment on the football field.
DS: One time I fell on the 1-yard line and nobody even touched me.
LAK: What was your greatest moment in sports?
DS: I would have to say winning the ArenaBowl championship in 2011 when I played for the Jacksonville Sharks.
LAK: Outside of sports, what do you think was your greatest moment?
DS: The thing I am most proud of is graduating college.
LAK: When you played football as a kid, who did you pretend to be?
DS: Derrick Thomas, who was a defensive end of the Kansas City Chiefs.
LAK: What is your pregame ritual?
DS: I like to listen to music and envision myself getting sacks.
LAK: Who was the best player you have ever played against?
DS: Terrelle Pryor.
LAK: What are your favorite hobbies?
DS: Lifting weights, watching TV shows and reading books.
LAK: What is your favorite TV show?
DS: The Walking Dead.
LAK: If you have to give up all of your possessions except one, what would you keep?
DS: My cell phone.
LAK: What advice do you give to youngsters?
DS: You have to find something that motivates you to be successful.
LAK: What is your goal in life?
DS: I want to be the best football player I can be and become wiser in life.
LAK: Describe what you think you need to do to become a better player?
DS: Watch a lot of film and to never get satisfied.
LAK: Describe you need to do to become a better person?
DS: I need to take advice from people and learn something new everyday.
LAK: What moment in history do you wish you could have seen?
DS: I wish I could have seen some of Martin Luther King’s speeches.
LAK: Who is the one person in history you would have liked to meet?
DS: Derrick Thomas.
LAK: What is your greatest fear?
DS: God.
LAK: Do you have any mentors? If so, who are they?
DS: My parents and Melvin Jenkins.
LAK: Did your parents or siblings play a college and/or professional sport? If yes, where and when?
DS: I have an older brother who played college football at Toledo University from 2005-2006 and then transferred to Youngtown State, where he played from 2008-2009. I also have a little brother who currently plays at Texas College for baseball.
LAK: Why did you choose to become an Arena Football player?
DS: The AFL is the only league that took a chance on me.
LAK: Who’s the toughest AFL team or player that you’ve faced so far and why?
DS: San Jose because they were always well prepared and knew many of their opponent’s plays.
LAK: What are you looking forward to the most about the upcoming season? In particular, what about joining the LA KISS excites you the most?
DS: Meeting the players and winning the ArenaBowl. Playing in Los Angeles is what I am most excited about.