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Pittsburgh president and general manager CyYoung made a big announcement today. The team named the Pittsburgh Power since the beginning of the IFL in 2003 will now be named the Pennsylvania Lions.
CyYoung explained the move to the medias this morning "This team had a lot of success in the league during the regular season. We have a 89-77 record and 3 division titles. Unfortunetly, it's not the same story in the playoffs. The team is 0-4 in the playoffs and we want this to change so this is new start for the team. A lot like the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers who traded the creamsicle for the pewter and red."
Alvin Mann showing his new uniform to the media
CyYoung explained the move to the medias this morning "This team had a lot of success in the league during the regular season. We have a 89-77 record and 3 division titles. Unfortunetly, it's not the same story in the playoffs. The team is 0-4 in the playoffs and we want this to change so this is new start for the team. A lot like the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers who traded the creamsicle for the pewter and red."
Alvin Mann showing his new uniform to the media
CyYoung didn't spend his entire offseason designing uniforms, he made some big moves. The biggest one was probably trading for Reno linebacker Dexter Gregg. He's gonna replace long time starter Charles Patch who's not getting any younger. The Lions now got a good linebacker trio with 2nd year 1st round pick Vernon Galloway and last year free agent pickup Gilbert Baxter.
Then, CyYoung made a big splash in free agency, bringing defensive tackle Matthew Bramlett, a 12th year veteran with 49 carreer sacks. He also brought the best free agent safety in Shaun Underhill giving him a big 3 years, 21 millions contract.
When asked if he was interested in DT Toby Torres, CyYoung said that the interest was there, but it was not the price the Lions wanted to put on a defensive tackle "Some teams in the league really wanted him and Toby had 85 millions good reasons to sign in Orlando. We wish him well there but we're really happy with Bramlett"
Finally, QB Alvin Mann wasn't only smiling about his unirform today. CyYoung brought him 2 more targets to play with. "With Edmonds retiring, we lost our primary receiver so we had to make a move. I feel now that we have 5 quality receivers" says Mann.
First, CyYoung looked in the family when he brought Arnie Harding's brother Casey thru free agency. Harding has 2423 yards and 14 touchdowns in 8 seasons in the IFL. Then, the Lions traded up to get one in the first round selecting Wyoming standout receiver Terry Wolfe. Wolfe was one of the best during the combine posting a great 4,40 40 yards dash and a 7.04 agility drill.
Asked if he was happy to trade his brown uniform for a navy blue, the young receiver's answer was clear "I had a wonderfull time in Wyoming, but I never liked the brown uniform. I think the Lions are a perfect fit for me. I'm very happy to be part of a good offense like that. Alvin Mann was one of my favorite player growing up, I can't wait to catch a pass from him. I also played high school football with Charles Fletcher in Utah. I'm gonna be his roomate until I get my 1st pro contract." said the young Wolfe with a big smile on his face.
It's gonna be an interesting season in Pennsylvania this year. The new look, the upgrade on offense and defense and building up on a good 9-7 season last year. You can be optimistic Lions fans.
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