Sergio Gilliam Named AFL’s Riddell Defensive Player Of The Week

Kansas City Command defensive back Sergio Gilliam has been named the Riddell Defensive Player of the Week in the Arena Football League, the League office announced Tuesday.  Gilliam intercepted two Aaron Garcia passes, broke up two others and registered four tackles in the Command’s Saturday night loss to San Antonio.  

“They beat me a little earlier (in the game),” Gilliam said of his performance against the Talons.  “But in this type of game you have to have a short memory.  I got another chance to make a play to help my defense.  I saw the ball in the air and I was at the right place at the right time twice.”

“We’re happy for him,” Coach Danton Barto said.  “He’s played at a high level and so has the whole defense all season.  It shows the defense is still playing hard despite the adversity we have faced as a team.”

Saturday night was the second time this season Gilliam has tallied two interceptions in a game.  He also had two picks against San Jose and returned one of those for a touchdown.

Gilliam now has five interceptions on the season, tied for fifth-best in the AFL.  His 70 interception return yards is ranked seventh in the League.  He ranks third on the Command with 22.5 tackles.

The Command play this Saturday, May 12 at 7pm on the road against the Iowa Barnstormers.  The game will air live on Sports Radio 810 WHB and on the web at Ustream.tv/KansasCityCommand.  The Barnstormers are 3-5 after a 61-50 loss Chicago Sunday.