Named in honor of deceased Los Angeles Avenger lineman Al Lucas, the Al Lucas Hero Award is presented to the Arena Football League player who “makes the most significant contribution to both his community and the game of Arena Football.” In an AFL game between the Avengers and the New York Dragons on April 10, 2005 Lucas was tackled by Corey Johnson and apparently suffered a spinal cord injury. He was pronounced dead later that day. Lucas was known for his high level of community involvement and his work in helping to expand the popularity of the AFL.
This year the Austin Wranglers’ fullback/linebacker/defensive lineman Dane Krager was recognized for his work with schoolchildren in the Austin area by being named to the Al Lucas Hero Team. Krager has a slight learning disability and has taken the experience and wisdom he’s gained dealing with this and is now helping local kids through the LIVE Foundation (Leander Independent Vocational Education) and the Out of the School Box program which lends support to families with children who have learning disorders.
This article appears in July 13 • 2007.