Game-changing LB Shirk had plenty of drive to join Rattlers

Justin Shirk was settling into a postfootball life as a personal trainer in Pennsylvania, moving up the ranks, in charge of a gym’s fitness division.

Then, Rattlers coach and GM Kevin Guy called.

It was the third week of the Indoor Football League season, and the 6-foot, 240-pounder, who looks like a cross between Vin Diesel and Bruce Willis, felt he was ready to play football again.

Not only ready to play, but ready to drive cross country.

“It was a nice 35-hour drive out here,” Shirk said. “I left Friday night, and got here Saturday afternoon. “I made a couple of pit stops.” That desire to get somewhere is showing off on the field in the last two weeks.

The middle linebacker, who played his last college football season at NCAA Division II Bloomsburg in Pennsylvania in 2014 when he had 120 tackles and 11 sacks, has had 4 1/2 sacks in the last two games for the Rattlers.

“Whatever his story is, it is, but we’re glad he’s here,” Guy said. “He’s gotten better as the season went on. He’s starting to peak. He just needs to continue to buy in and learn the game plan and execute it. He’s doing a great job for us.”

Shirk played indoor football last year for the Lehigh Valley Steel Hawks, who are part of the National Arena League, which the Jacksonville Sharks joined this year after breaking away from the Arena Football League.

He said that league was more similar to the pass-heavy rules of the AFL.

He likes the IFL, which has more of an outdoor feel to it with defenders not so restricted and there is more of an emphasis on the run game.

“The defense here gives you more freedom,” Shirk said.

The Rattlers (8-4) replaced most of their roster from last year. Outside linebacker Adam Sauder also is new to the Rattlers this year. He leads the team with 69 tackles and two fumble recoveries.

Sauder, a 6-3, 225-pound strong safety from Taylor University with a long mane of hair, took part in NFL rookie camps in Cincinnati and Carolina after leaving college.

“I didn’t get signed up after that,” Sauder said. “I was in limbo and looking for something to do. My agent sent film out here to Coach Guy. He liked it and signed me.”

It’s took a while for these Rattlers to

Sunday’s game

Who: Rattlers vs. Nebraska Danger Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix. When: 3 p.m. TV: FSAZ Plus come together in a new league, but they’ve won their past four and have a one-game lead in the Intense Conference over their next opponent, the Nebraska Danger (7-5), who come to Phoenix to play the Rattlers on Sunday at 3 p.m. at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The game will be televised by Fox Sports Arizona Plus.

“It’s new to a lot of us,” Sauder said. “We’re a young team, but we can’t keep making that excuse over and over again. I think it’s experience, seeing teams a couple of times. The coaches are figuring out what works, what doesn’t work.”

Sauder credits Shirk’s emergence for the defense now forcing turnovers and getting sacks.

“He’s been explosive, able to get at the quarterback,” Sauder said.