After Darius “Money” Reynolds left Iowa State after graduating in 2012, the former Cyclone has made a name for himself in the Arena Football League. This year is no different, as he is helping his team to the best record in the AFL.
Former Cyclone Darius Reynolds Cashing in on the AFL
First, he’s on SportsCenter and then he leads the team to a win over undefeated Orlando, but it’s just another day in the life for Darius Reynolds in the AFL.
“Honestly I’m not a fan of the ‘spotlight,’ but I do enjoy having the opportunity for my family and friends to see me play no matter where I’m playing or where they are at, they can always follow our team,” Reynolds said. “It also brings attention to our league which I believe has a great deal of hidden talent. So any national televised game were definitely looking to put on a good show.”
The now veteran AFL wide receiver has lead the Philadelphia Soul to a 7-1 record in 2016, shaping a great arena-ball career.
“It’s awesome playing in Philadelphia. It’s a beautiful city and the people and fans here are very supportive. From the top of the ownership, to the coaches, fans, and everyone apart of the organization, you can just feel the support and love for the game,” Reynolds said. “It’s definitely a city and team that wants to and expects to win. It’s motivating to bring back the Arena Bowl trophy to the city.”
Coming out of Ames, Iowa, the former Cyclone had a short stint with the Green Bay Packers, which ended abruptly due to a failed physical. Reynolds took the Arena Football League, joining essentially his home-town team, the Iowa Barnstormers.
“The AFL to me is a league for people who are trying to further their career, or just genuinely love the game and don’t want to walk away from it,” Reynolds said. “The AFL brings about a great opportunity for people to continue playing football and meet great people.”
Reynolds quickly established himself as the hometown fan favorite, (joining the team shortly after another former Cyclone, Todd Blythe, retired), repeatedly steamrolling his way into the end zone.
After the Barnstormers folded their AFL franchise, he made his way to San Jose and continued to do his thing until they too folded.
That’s when Reynolds signed with the Soul, and he’s having what Eric Church might call a record year.
Reynolds sits 4th in the league with 18 touchdowns, including a leaping grab that made SportsCenter’s Top Ten plays last week.
“It always gives me a laugh when I hear that I’ve made top ten plays,” Reynolds said. “It’s a great honor to be selected on that list and have your play played over and over for everyone to see.”
He added that his goal for the end of the year is to get noticed by the Philadelphia Eagles, “[But] my Plan-B is to win the Arena Bowl in the Wells Fargo Center.”
The Soul take on the L.A. Kiss this Saturday at 3:00 pm ET.
