(Phoenix, AZ) — The Arizona Rattlers have re-signed the 2021 IFL Defensive Player of the Year, defensive back Dillion Winfrey, for the upcoming 2022 season.
Winfrey is now one of the longest-tenured players on the Rattlers, joining the team from an open tryout in 2017. Once signed, Dillion then earned a United Bowl ring that same season. Appearing in three United Bowls for the team, Winfrey has become a pillar of stability for the Rattlers vaunted defense.
Leading the IFL in passes defended (31), pass break-ups (20) and interceptions (11) in the 2021 regular season, Winfrey added three more interceptions in the Rattlers’ postseason run, including two in the United Bowl vs. Massachusetts. He averaged a league-high 0.79 interceptions-per-game for the season.
Finishing the regular season with 59 total tackles (48 solo), an interception return for a touchdown, and one forced fumble, Winfrey cruised to All-IFL First-Team honors. The DB also gained IFL Defensive Player of Week twice last year, one in Week 16 and Week 18.
The Rattlers defensive unit was solidified by Winfrey and finished as the second-best scoring defense, allowing just 35.8 points a game. Arizona was also one of the top defenses in the league in forcing turnovers, as their 17 interceptions was also second in the IFL.
On August 8, the Rattlers took on in-state rivalry, the Tucson Sugar Skulls and Winfrey tied the franchise record for most interceptions in a single game (three total). Winfrey also recorded three straight games with multiple interceptions over the final five games of the regular season and his interception total for the season was more than double that of the player who finished second in the league.
The Rattlers will play eight regular-season home games at the Footprint Center beginning in March, with the 16-game regular season running through July. The IFL playoffs will begin in late July as the 2022 IFL schedule was released last week.
Press Release courtesy of the Arizona Rattlers – Abbey Rarick
