DAYTONA BEACH, FL – The ThunderBirds won their first game in franchise history on Sunday and on Tuesday, the team celebrated another milestone.  Jocques Richardson, a defensive back out of football powerhouse Miami Northwestern High School was awarded the arenafootball2 ADT Defensive Player of the Week.  This award recognizes the best performance by a defensive player from the previous week’s action.  Richardson is the first player in ThunderBirds history to be given a player of the week award.  Richardson had four tackles and two interceptions including a 50 yard interception return for a touchdown on the final play of the game to secure a 56-42 victory for the ThunderBirds over the Manchester Wolves.  For the season, Richardson leads the team with 20.5 tackles and three interceptions. 

Richardson, who grew up idolizing Deion Sanders, showed a little “primetime” flash of his own on the final play of the game.  His second interception was crucial to the ThunderBirds’ victory. With Manchester trailing by eight (50-42), the Wolves faced a 1st and goal from the 6-yard line and looked poised to potentially tie the game with a touchdown and two-point conversion. That’s when Richardson stepped in and intercepted QB James Pinkney’s pass as time expired and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown.

“Jocques is a great example of a high caliber player,” said head Coach Gary Compton.  “He is an experienced player and has played outstanding for us this season.  After the game he played this weekend he was a great choice for player of the week,” said Compton.   

Defensive Backs coach Chris Barber had high praise for Richardson’s play on the season.  “Jocques works really hard and is never satisfied.  He only has a little arena experience but he is a natural and gifted athlete.  He is hungry to get better and it is showing.  You love to see that as a coach,” said Coach Barber.

When asked about the honor, Richardson was excited but also showed respect for his team.  “It is an honor to be awarded by the league but above all, I have to give credit to the defense for making plays and the coaches for putting us in position to make plays.”

When told he was the first player in franchise history to win a weekly award, Richardson saw it as an extension of the turnaround that started for the Thunderbirds last weekend.  “It is great to see the league recognizing the ThunderBirds and I see this award and the win this weekend as a new beginning for this team.”

Richardson was asked which was more significant for him, the player of the week honors or the first win.  He laughed and replied without hesitation “the first win.  Without a doubt the first win was way more significant.”

Richardson and the ThunderBirds will be back in action on Thursday evening at the Ocean Center when they take on the Albany Conquest.  Kickoff is at 7:00 pm.