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Lehigh Valley Steelhawks

The OSC Interview: Lehigh Valley Steelhawks DB/KR Dwayne Hollis

by Fran Stuchbury
July 30, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks


OSC contributor Fran Stuchbury recently interviewed Lehigh Valley Steelhawks defensive back/kick returner Dwayne "Shutdown" Hollis. Hollis, in his first season with the Steelhawks, had nine interceptions and was named to the All Professional Indoor Football League First Team as a defensive back. Also Hollis returned three missed field goals for touchdowns and one kick-off for a touchdown which helped him to be named PIFL Special Teams Player of the Year.

Fran Stuchbury: You were signed by Pittsburgh Power of the Arena Football League and were one of the final roster cuts. How was that experience?

Dwayne "Shutdown" Hollis: It as a great experience that proved to me even more that a Division III football player (North Carolina Wesleyan) like myself can play with anyone. I was brought in on waivers to get signed to the training camp roster which doesn't happen to many people.

FS: How did you end up playing for the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks?

DH: I went to an open tryout for the Pittsburgh Power and they saw me perform really well so they asked me if I wanted to sign with them, but I didn't give them an answer until mid-January just in case I didn't make the Power roster.

FS: You led the team in interceptions with nine and returned two of them for touchdowns and made the first team PIFL for defensive backs. How much of an honor was that?

DH: It was a great honor to be recognized as one of the best defensive backs in such a talented league.

FS: You have two nicknames "Shutdown" and "Hollis Island." Where did they come from?

DH: "Hollis Island" I stole from Darrelle Revis because he's my favorite cornerback in the league, and I like the ring to it. "Shutdown" I got from a group of my college teammates, which we all made creative middle names.

FS: In a June 21st game at the Harrisburg Stampede you jumped up for a ball on a kick-off and returned it 58 yards for a touchdown. That video was shared on the Steelhawks Facebook page. Was that the best return you had all season? Also do you wish the PIFL had rebound nets like Arena Football so you could be an even more effective kick-off returner?

DH: Yeah, I would say that was the best return I had all season because it displayed a lot of different attributes that I feel make me a good football player: great hands, elusiveness, speed, and vision. I definitely wish there was nets because that would have displayed a different aspect of the game, which could have benefited my team.

FS: That play also showed people why you were named PIFL Special Teams Player of the Year. Is being a kick returner helping you get more attention from other football leagues because it shows how versatile you are?

DH: I believe it will help, but as of now I gotta be patient until the Arena Football League season is over to start getting calls. I also have to get my highlight tape made and send it out.

FS:. How do you like being part of the Steelhawks team?

DH: It was good we made it to the championship, and I loved my teammates even though we had an up and down season, but we ultimately made it to the championship game. That was the goal; just wish we could have won.

FS: While playing football in a sandlot one of your friends noticed your talent and and told the coaches at North Carolina Wesleyan, a Division III school. You ended up playing at that school. How was the experience?

DH: It was crazy, I just believe God had a plan for me and showed me no matter where you are that he can take you wherever. I appreciate my boy Erric for following through with that because who knows what I would be doing with my life.

FS: Do you feel, in general, coaches give less of a chance to players that come from smaller schools, compared to the ones that have come from big schools?

DH: Yes, I definitely think that is the case, but there is talent everywhere. I believe being from a smaller school has held me back, but it gives me the biggest chip on my shoulders that carries me until this day.

FS: How was your experience playing overseas in Finland for the Helsinki Roosters and winning a championships with them in 2013?

DH: It was a great experience going to another country, playing the sport you love in a different culture, with a great organization. I met a lot of great people there and making it to the championship and winning it was very accomplishing. Not many people can say they had the chance to play overseas.

FS:. How have you liked dealing with the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks fans this season? A good number travelled to Trenton for the July 5th PIFL Semifinal when your team beat the Freedom, 49-38.

DH: The fans were great and very supporting. It's very humbling when you have kids in the community looking up to me and looking to me as their hero. You never know who you can affect.

FS: If you don't move up to a higher level football league next season, would you like to return to the Steelhawks?

DH: My mindset right now is I'm moving up and not looking back. I believe I've done enough for someone to see me and bring me in. I will handle that situation if it comes.

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Professional Indoor Football League Stories from July 30, 2014


The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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