One of the trademark characteristics of the Arena Football League from the very start 21 years ago was that the majority of the players were ironmen — playing both offense and defense.
But not anymore.
The league has changed the rules to allow free substitution this season. Teams will still have just 20 active players on their rosters for games. But with only eight players on the field at a time, it is possible to have all your players be specialists on either offense or defense — just like the outdoor game has been for decades (the rare player like the University of Utah's Eric Weddle notwithstanding).
While some players welcome the rule change, others don't like it one bit.
Put Hans Olsen in the latter category.
Olsen, who was an AFL All-Ironman selection last season while playing center on offense and noseguard on defense for the Utah Blaze, feels the league failed to give players like him a voice on the change.
"I've seen a lot of individuals hurt by this," said Olsen. "Guys who have been making a living at a job now may find themselves out of work just because of it. There has even been some talk or rumors that lawsuits may be filed to get it changed back."
The change hurts players like Olsen who are equally talented on both sides of the football. He was perfect for the AFL due to his experience going both ways — first as an all-conference defensive lineman at BYU and then when he was switched to offensive line during his stint with the Indianapolis Colts before becoming an AFL star.
While playing the majority of the downs on both sides of the ball for the Blaze last season, Olsen will now concentrate on offense, hiking the ball to quarterback Joe Germaine.
"I'm still a solid center who has played offense in both the NFL and the AFL," said Olsen. "I'm not worried that this will jeopardize my job specifically, but it will for others in the league."
Olsen is upset the AFL's players union didn't oppose the change.
"The (AFL Players Association) didn't fight for the rights of the ironmen — and that's disappointing because we pay union dues to them," said Olsen. "You would expect a change that large — that affects everybody's job and everybody's money — would make the union step in and take a verbal stand against it. I don't feel I was represented — as a two-way player — and that angers me. I'm upset at the union and at the league."
Olsen believes the NFL — and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in particular — put pressure on the AFL to allow free substitution so that the AFL could be more like a farm system to their league. Jones has a say on both counts since he is also the owner of the Dallas Desperadoes of the AFL.
"The NFL wants the AFL to be a small version of the outdoor game," said Olsen. "They don't want us to have unique aspects, like the ironmen. I think (new AFL TV partner) ESPN had a part in it, too. They should just leave us alone and let us be a separate, independent organization."
On the reverse side of the argument, however, is new Blaze receiver Aaron Boone, who probably wouldn't be with Utah right now without the rule change. That's because Boone is an offensive specialist who isn't strong defensively.
Under last year's rules, each team could have just two offense-only players — the quarterback and one receiver. The Blaze already had Siaha Burley, one of the top offensive specialists in the league, under contract. Had the rule not changed, Boone would have likely signed as a free agent elsewhere to be a team's top receiver. Instead, now both he and Burley can play offense exclusively for the Blaze.
"With the rule change, it definitely gives me a better opportunity," said Boone. "Now you can put your four or five best receivers out there and it makes it more competitive — more like the outdoor game."
For better or worse, depending on your point of view.
BLAZE OPENER
New Orleans VooDoo at Utah Blaze
March 3, 7 p.m.
EnergySolutions Arena
E-mail: lojo@desnews.com