STIGGERS SLIDES INTO VETERAN MODE FOR THUNDER

FRISCO, Tex. (April 16, 2008) -- It's sort of amusing for Marcus Stiggers when when someone approaches him and says something along the lines of "I remember watching you play when I was a kid."

Does it make him feel old? Nope. At the ripe old age of 31 (for football, anyway) Stiggers is feeling good these days.

"I'm always excited about football,'' Stiggers said. ``I just love the game. If I can play 10, 15 years, I'll do it. As long as I can play, I'll play until I can't play any more.''

Two knee surgeries and coming oh-so-close to playing on Sundays hasn't dimmed Stiggers' passion for the game. A Texas high school football legend and a four-year letterman at Colorado , Stiggers is now the wise sage of a veteran for the Frisco Thunder and perfectly content in that role.

``That's what I bring to the table,'' Stiggers said. ``Mentally, I feel like that because I'm one of the older guys and I've had a chance to experience other levels of football.''

Stiggers' name is still held in high regard and discussed among Texas high school football fans after he led Lake Highlands to the 1995 state 5A semifinals. He's still regarded as one of the greatest players in Texas history.

``I try to move away from it, but my high school days keep coming back to me," Stiggers said. ``People are always reminding me about it. Those who were kids are now grown up.''

Colorado converted him from quarterback into a wide receiver.

He had a solid pre-season with the Washington Redskins in 2000, but was cut after the final exhibition game. He then went to the XFL's Chicago Enforcers in 2001 and came back home as a free agent with the Dallas Cowboys before his knee "went south" before training camp started. Since 99.2 percent of NFL teams aren't exactly eager to sign free agent receivers after their second knee surgery, Stiggers accepted his fate.

Coaching and semi-pro ball kept him in football. But as a member of the respected Dallas Diesel program, Stiggers moved to the other side of the ball and became one of the nation's best defensive backs.

``I get a kick out of being a cornerback,'' Stiggers said. ``I still catch the ball very well; I'm just a receiver on defense trying to get as many catches as I can.''

In four appearances, Stiggers has two interceptions, including a 34-yarder for a touchdown that helped the Thunder pull away from the Corpus Christi Hammerheads last week.

Thunder head coach Troy Esprit appreciates Stiggers' contribution to the team both on and off the field.

``"You talk about having the opportunity to bring in someone with the amount of work Marcus has on the professional level ... it makes our job as coaches easier," Esprit said. "All you have to do is show him your scheme and trust he believes in it and executes it. He brings speed and leadership, but most importantly, the guys like him and taken in to where he's been.''