Rashad Floyd feels born again as an Arena Football League player.
Floyd’s confidence hit rock bottom in late April when he didn’t travel to the Crush’s game at Grand Rapids. But rather than mope, he decided to make a comeback.
In Saturday’s regular-season finale at New York, Floyd needs only three tackles to break his AFL record of 122 set last year.
“This probably was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with as an athlete,” Floyd said. “I’ve always had the highest standards for my play on the field. I’ve had great blessings and success throughout my career. Personal adversity hits you a lot harder.”
Floyd’s troubles began April 22 when he was pulled from the game as San Jose drilled the Crush 89-41 at the Pepsi Center. Coach Mike Dailey made Floyd inactive for the following week’s game at Grand Rapids. The Crush dropped its third straight game, 58-52 after an 8-2 start that was the best in the league.
Floyd returned to the lineup two weeks ago at New Orleans in a 63-57 Crush victory, and Colorado made it two in a row by beating Nashville 52-49 last week.
Floyd’s comeback coincided with the Crush clinching the Central Division title and securing a home game May 29 in the first round of the playoffs. A victory Saturday over New York would clinch home field for the American Conference championship game June 5, if the Crush wins the first-round game.
Floyd has his work cut out against New York. Quarterback Aaron Garcia is one of two AFL quarterbacks who have passed for more than 700 touchdowns. Andy Kelly of New Orleans reached that milestone against the Crush this season.
Dailey credits Floyd’s attitude with helping him get through the tough times.
“When I talked to him about coming out of the lineup, he said he realized he wasn’t playing at the level he expected of himself,” Dailey said. “He was worn down, and the time off helped him both mentally and physically. His teammates have encouraged him, and I’m glad to see him back in the lineup and playing well.”
Teammate Willis Marshall knew Floyd’s down time caused him turmoil.
“A lot of players wouldn’t have been able to rebound from that,” Marshall said. “We learned that he was mentally tough. Playing his position is very difficult. A lot of times the defensive specialist is in the middle of the field, and he can get beat for a touchdown. But in this league, you have to have amnesia and come right back.”
Floyd credits the support he received from his family and his faith.
“I’ve never doubted myself, but the support I’ve had helped me get through it,” Floyd said. “Coach always tells us, and I love this, you don’t measure a man by his success, but by what he’s able to overcome.”
Floyd certainly has enjoyed the Crush’s turnaround.
“It has been a chance for all of us to get back on a high,” Floyd said. “We’re not finished yet. We still have some work to do.”
Said Marshall: “It means a lot to him to be part of a division championship team. But the main thing, we need him on the field.”
Crush
What: Arena Football League
Who: Colorado Crush (10-5) vs. New York Dragons (9-6)
When: Saturday, 5 p.m.
Where: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, N.Y.
TV/radio: FSN/KHOW 630 AM
Irv Moss can be reached at 303-820-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
