Former Pirates Participating in NFL Alumni Academy
October 20, 2022 – Indoor Football League (IFL) – Massachusetts Pirates News Release
WORCESTER, MA- The Massachusetts Pirates strive to help their players move up to the next level after playing for the organization in order for them to achieve their ultimate goal of making it to the National Football League. The Pirates have a long resume of helping players do just that and this past week was an example of that as five former Pirates players took a step closer to moving up by participating in the NFL Alumni Academy.
Quarterbacks Alejandro Bennifield and Mike Glass III, running back/wide receiver Deddrick Thomas, defensive back Debione Renfro, and linebacker Terrance Smith suited up for the Pirates during the 2022 season and recently took part in the NFL Alumni Academy. This opportunity automatically invites these players to training camps in the XFL if they are not signed by an NFL team prior.
The 2021 United Bowl MVP Alejandro Bennifield has been a staple under center for the Pirates over the last two seasons and was one of the biggest reasons why they hoisted up the trophy at the end of the 2021 season. Despite battling injuries throughout the 2022 campaign, “Dro” as he’s known around the organization, still ranked highly among quarterbacks in the league. The 6’1″, 210lb QB appeared in 10 contests slinging the ball very effectively with a completion percentage of 65.31% while racking up 1,382 passing yards (9th in IFL) with 28 passing touchdowns (tied 7th in IFL). He was also dominant with his legs rushing for 243 rushing yards with 13 scores over 68 attempts. Bennifield will now have the opportunity to move up and showcase his ability to play at the highest level.
The other quarterback that made a huge impact for the Pirates during the 2022 season was Mike Glass III. Glass spent the majority of the season as the backup QB and also was sidelined with an injury for a few weeks but when he was on the field, he made clutch plays when it mattered most. Glass led two last-second game-winning plays in back to back weeks. The first came in Week 11 against the Sioux Falls Storm when Glass came into the game for injured Alejandro Bennifield and made a SportsCenter Top10-type play to help the Pirates clinch the victory 43-42. The Eastern Michigan alum had ice in his veins once again the next week against the Bismarck Bucks to toss a touchdown to Darren Carrington with 9 seconds left. Glass finished the season appearing in seven games passing for 361 yards with 8 touchdowns as well as 130 yards with his legs.
The Pirates leading rusher Deddrick Thomas is getting recognized for his impressive first season with the organization. The 5’9″, 190lb RB/WR suited up for 13 games in 2022 and was a versatile threat for the Pirates offense throughout the season but mainly spent time out of the backfield. The Mississippi State rushed for 346 yards on the ground with 8 scores over 65 attempts. As a receiver, Thomas reeled in 18 receptions for 185 yards with two scores. Thomas will look to use his versatility to his advantage at the next level and make defenders miss left and right as he did with the Pirates.
Debione Renfro appeared in 5 contests for the Pirates recording 23 tackles (10 solo, 13 asst), two tackles for a loss, one interception and one forced fumble. The 6’3″, 200lb DB previously spent time with the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL and the Canadian Football League with the Montreal Alouettes and Edmonton Elks. The Texas A&M alum has a bright future ahead of him with this opportunity under his belt.
Terrance Smith was a force off the line in the two games that he appeared in for the Pirates racking up 10 total tackles, (5 solo, 5 asst), two tackles for a loss with one sack. The 6’2″, 238lb LB played in 34 games from 2016 through 2020 in the National Football League as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins.
These players will look to use this opportunity to help them continue to move up and get back to the National Football League but the Pirates gave them a shot to make that a reality.
The 2021 United Bowl Champions; Massachusetts Pirates are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL). The Pirates play all home games at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center located at 50 Foster St. Worcester, MA, 01608. For more information on the Massachusetts Pirates please call (508)452-MASS (6277), email [email protected] or visit http://www.masspiratesfootball.com. For 2022 season, half-season, luxury, or group ticket packages please call 508-452-MASS (6277) or visit www.masspiratesfootball.com/tickets. Follow the Pirates on Facebook via Facebook.com/MAPirates, Instagram @mass.pirates, and Twitter @mass_pirates.
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