York Capitals Defensive Star Diarra is set for the Championship Game.

In Arabic Issa means God Saves. In York it’s usually mentioned before a quarterback gets hit. LB Issa Diarra is a force to be reckoned with in the AIF.
Issa has an infectious smile and will willingly talk to anyone. He isn’t loud or pushy and upon first impression it’s hard to imagine him being aggressive. When he puts on pads its a different story.

Football Stories sat down with York Capitals Defensive Lead, Issa Diarra.

What is your philosophy at your position and its relationship to Arena Football? Was it a hard transition from outdoor football to Arena Football?

I currently play LB and Some D-Line so my philosophy is to get to the ball carrier and QB as fast as you can with the intent to Wreck them, make a play or find a way to Score….Be A Dominant presence and #1 threat.

It wasn’t a drastic change in a big sense, it’s still football but a lot of little things had drastic changes which I’ve adapted to some and still learning some other skills as well and plan on taking it with me every where from on and off the field to help make me a better overall person and football player….but getting to the QB in sub 1.98 secs is a skill.

2. Describe a typical practice?

No answer given, Issa doesn’t do typical.

3. What is your favorite memory as a York Capital so far?

My favorite memory with the Capitals so far Was against The Lancaster Chargers Where I scored my first touchdown In a game ever, I was ecstatic and also had 3 sacks that game, Hell of a game!

4. Coach Marsilio has constantly emphasized player development as a coach in this league, where is your dream destination as a Professional Football Player?

My dream destination as a football player is the NFL but outside of that with the purpose of helping others I wouldn’t mind going  anywhere in America to outside the U.S. as long as its sunny and a bit humid ha ha, I’m from NY, even though I can adapt ; I strongly dislike the winters.

5. What player do you most emulate?

To Be honest I don’t really have any role models so the player I look up to the most is myself. I really do believe in myself to fullest with the Intent to build a legacy and become a legend in every aspect possible, but I do have much respect for many players because of what they did to get where they are now

6. What is your pregame ritual?

I honestly just get into my zone like no other, I catch a sort of Holy ghost if you may, where I’m over exuding with confidence to where I can’t contain it and it’s written all over my swagger and might even get my jig on for a bit.

7. Are you superstitious? If so name some superstitions.

A few, not too many and not many football related as well but I hate splitting poles when walking with close friends, and I’m terrified about playing without a mouth piece and knee pads….Can’t do it.

8. What is playing on your headphones?

Lil Wayne, Drake, Kanye, Migos, Future, Rick Ross, J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Marcus G (very close friend of mine)

9. Who gets the most credit for where you are today in life?

Of course God, but in the physical realm all glory goes to My Mother & Father and My little Brother. The three human beings I respect the most. We came such a long way together and have even further to go. We’re all we got.

10. What do you plan to do if you win the Championship this season?

Celebrate….Enjoy….then back to work. Also take that achievement and use it to catapult me to the next level if not the highest form of professional football and also aim for more self goals and team achievements.

Issa is anything but typical. His hardworking attitude and trance like play have made him the sort of hard hitting, ball carrier bashing Linebacker that will play this weekend in the American Indoor Football League Championship Game against the Chicago Blitz.