The Cover 4 was able to catch up with Arena League Wide Receiver Tysson Poots. Poots, originally from Las Vegas, plays for the Arizona Rattlers, who will be playing in the Arena Bowl this weekend for the league championship.
This article is particularly special for our site as I went to High School with Poots and actually lined up against him every day in practice. I like to think I played pretty well against him but my memory is a little foggy nowadays.
Poots has always been a special talent. As a two-time All State Wide Receiver, Poots went onto shatter receiving records for the Southern Utah University Thunderbirds. Poots finished his college career with 3,970 receiving yards. Additionally, Poot’s 282 career receptions and 43 touchdowns allowed him to finish as the ninth-leading receiver in FCS history.
At the end of the 2012 season, Poots was ranked as the 13th best player in the Arena League.
http://www.arenafootball.com/sports/a-footbl/aflrtl/mtt/tysson_poots_830726.html
What is the biggest difference from the College Game to the Arena League? How about Arena to the NFL?
The biggest difference is, of course, the field and gameplay. Everything happens so much faster in the Arena League because of the small size of the field. Also, the Arena players were All-Stars on their college team and a majority of them were with a NFL team at one point; the competition level is so high.
Another thing is that they are both professional league. The main difference is the NFL has a 53 man roster and Arena has a 24 man roster, which makes both very hard to make in there own right.
Can you walk us through a typical week in your life during the season?
A typical week would be a game played on Saturday. Sunday would be a recovery day. Most of us players head into treatment and start healing the bumps and bruises. Monday is the same thing as Sunday as we prepare to get our bodies ready for the following game. Tuesday we get up early, head to the facility to start meetings around 7:30. Offense and defense will both lift weights before or after practice depending on the day. Practice Tuesday through Thursday from 9:30-11:30. Friday is a final preparation day with meetings and then it’s Saturday and game day again. My off time is spending watching tv, getting involved in the community, and playing some video games.
What is the hardest part of being a professional athlete?
The hardest part is definitely staying on top of your health and body. Eating right, staying hydrated and getting the right treatment on whatever you need throughout the week is crucial to have effective practices as you prepare for the upcoming game. Games are tough/hard but those are what you prepare for, to go out and have fun.
What has been your favorite moment as a professional athlete thus far?
The guys I’ve met and teammates I’ve had and have. There are many amazing people in the sport I play and to meet some of best players is just a blessing. You can learn a lot from everyone you meet and go to battle with in the games. Another favorite moment is definitely playing in big playoff games and interacting with the fans.
If you weren’t playing football, what would you be doing?
I would be training people to better their lives and/or athletes improving their abilities. There is nothing better to me then seeing someone get to where they want to be health wise. I would enjoy passing along some of the knowledge I’ve picked up along the way to anyone wanting to listen and get better.
Coming from Las Vegas (an area not known for their HS Football) and a smaller 1-AA school, do you still feel like you have to prove the doubters you are able to play with anyone?
I do, at times, still feel like I need to prove something, but I have nothing wrong with feeling that way. It makes me play with a chip on my shoulder, therefore adding to the intensity I can bring to the field.
You’ve been a touchdown machine in the AFL. Rumor has it you may have the best TD celebrations in the game. Where do you come up with your ideas?
Well in the AFL you can do almost anything you want in the endzone; I like to involve my teammates. I score because of them and I realize that. So sometimes I’ll be watching tv and see a current event or something interesting and I’ll try to incorporate that into my thought process. When my teammates are in, the celebrations just sky rocket and ideas start flowing.
After dominating the league last year, you’ve missed some time battling injuries this year. Is Tysson Poots finally 100% healthy? What are we going to see out of you in this Arena Bowl?
Well once you start your season, you are no longer 100%. Regardless if there is an injury or not, it comes down to who can take care of their body the best. As a result, who can produce and stay on the field. Hopefully in the ArenaBowl I play well and have fun. Not everyone gets the chance to play in championship games, so I’m looking to seize the day and take advantage of the opportunity.
You’re about to play in the biggest game of your professional career so far. What is going through your head?
Right now I’m just relaxing and soaking it all in. RELAX is the key word. Stress and anxiety can tire you mentally and physically. I’m definitely aware of the opportunity ahead but preparing smart and trying to not get to work up to early.
Bold Prediction: Tysson Poots finishes with __ yards and __ touchdowns in the Arena Bowl.
You know I never predict any stats for myself. I plan on playing well and taking advantage of the plays that are sent my way.
Do you still have aspirations of playing in the NFL? If so, have you and your agents been in contact with any teams?
I do but I try not to think about it that much. I can only control what I can control and that’s how I look at it. However, if an opportunity comes my way, I am going to jump all over it.
If the NFL is not an option, will you explore the CFL?
I’ve thought of playing in the CFL, which is a great league and would be an amazing opportunity. We always check out different leagues and CFL is a definite possibility to look at if I need too.
At the end of the day, where does Tysson Poots play football next year?
Can’t really say, that’s the life of a football player, you just never know. But I will say I am happy where I am at in Arizona with the Rattlers. It would be an honor be back with this team and organization.
Watch Poots and his Arizona Rattlers take on the Philadelphia Soul in a rematch of last years Arena Bowl. The Arena Bowl XXVI Championship Game will be played on Saturday, August 17th at 1 pm EST and can be viewed on the CBS Television Network. Best of luck in the Arena Bowl this weekend Tysson. We are all rooting for you.
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