Dee Maggitt Jr. was cut during training camp with the Washington Valor of the Arena Football League, however in his first game back with Iowa, he has made an instant impact.
Dee Maggitt Jr. Returns, Makes Instant Impact
Maggitt Jr. signed with the Iowa Barnstormers during the offseason on Sept. 3. However, the all-IFL player was called to try out for the Arena Football League’s (AFL) Washington Valor.
But, Maggitt Jr. didn’t make it past training camp. He was cut.
“Oh well,” Maggitt Jr. said.
The former Hawaii star had moved on.
“It kind of left a sour taste in my mouth,” he said. “I had to get to football.”
Maggitt Jr. already knew what was next on his plate, though. He had been keeping in contact with the Barnstormers.
“I have a real good relationship with [coach Dixie] Wooten and [so and so coach] Coleman,” he said. “I told them if things don’t work out, I’ll be back.”
The team and Maggitt Jr. stayed in touch throughout the training camp process. His return to the team was just a matter of when.
That return happened on Saturday at Wells Fargo Arena. Maggitt Jr. played his first game as a Barnstormer.
Maggitt Jr.’s First Game Back
Wooten wasted little time working him into the system. Maggitt Jr. started not only at defensive back, but also started as a kick returner.
“They put so much faith in me,” Maggitt Jr. said. “I just wanted to come up big, get good returns, and make sure I do my assignment.”
Maggitt Jr. did just that. He returned three kicks for an average of 19.7 yards, and never failed to reach midfield.
“When you have guys like that playing football, and flying around with each other, its big,” Wooten said.
Iowa ended up winning the game, blowing out the Nebraska Danger 48-14. The defense forced five interceptions on the day, one of which was Maggitt Jr.’s.
“Our defense is playing well,” quarterback Travis Partridge said. “When [the offense is] playing well, [the defense is] playing well. It’s so much fun.”
The Barnstormers will try to continue the momentum and play another complete game in Cedar Rapids on Saturday. Maggitt Jr. says that won’t be a problem.
“We’re only going to go up,” he said.
Main Photo Credit: Connor Ferguson, Last Word on Sports
