People associated with the Jeffersonville High School wrestling program and the Clarksville football team know Brent Maddox only as an assistant coach.

But there is more to the New Albany resident — a whole lot more.

Maddox is a former Marine, an ex-boxer, a former collegiate football player and wrestler.

And now he’s adding Arena Football to that crowded resume.

Maddox, 27, is in his second season with the Louisville Fire, which will start their season on Saturday, March 29 against Iowa at Freedom Hall.

Maddox, a 6-foot-1, 300-pound defensive lineman, is thankful that head coach Tommy Johnson and the Fire organization gave him a chance to continue his football career. Prior to last season, the last time Maddox played football was in 2005 for NCAA Division I-AA Iona College in New Rochelle, N.Y.

“I love it,” said Maddox, who hopes to see some time on offense this year as a fullback. “Coach Johnson gave me a shot last year, and a lot of people won’t give you a shot after being out of football for a year. He gave me a shot, so I thank him more than anybody because he gave me an opportunity.”

Maddox, a native of Thorntown in Central Indiana, likes the excitement and the fast-paced nature of the Arena game.

“It’s way more intense and there is way more fan interaction,” Maddox said. “The shorter field is good for the linemen.”

Prior to joining the Fire, Maddox’s life was full of twists and turns.

He served four years in the Marines after graduating from Western Boone High School, including one tour of duty in Afghanistan. During his military service, he was a successful boxer with a 20-0 record and 16 knockouts.

Maddox takes great pride in serving his country.

“I’m really proud. But I consider the people who were in the Vietnam era and the veterans like that as the true heroes,” said the former Marine corporal. “I just love waking up knowing that everybody’s free. We’re not ran by anybody or anything like that, so I’m proud.”

After his stint in the military, Maddox attended Mt. San Jacinto College, a junior college in San Jacinto, Calif. He played football for two seasons at the school and was a member of the wrestling team for one year.

Then Maddox went to Iona, where he played football for his final two college season. In his senior year, Maddox made the all-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference season team.

After graduating from Iona in 2006 with a degree in history, Maddox tried to prolong his football career. The Rhein Fire of the now-defunct NFL Europe invited him to training camp, but he decided not to go. After not playing football for nearly two years, he wound up with the Fire.

“Brent’s adventures are what make him unique and a valuable coach,” Jeff head wrestling coach Danny Struck said. “It always amazes me when we are talking about something that he can say he has tried it. He is always willing to try something new.

“When he applied for the job here, I actually couldn’t believe that anyone could have experienced that much in life. So I looked him up before I met him and was amazed … and he ended up with us.”

Along with competing in football, wrestling and boxing, Maddox has also competed in another contact sport — mixed martial arts. He has been trained in the craft since his boxing days.

“I love to compete. That’s why I can’t give it up,” Maddox said his contact-sport niche. “I’m 27 and I’m considered old. But I just can’t give it up.”

This past season was Maddox’s first as an assistant coach at Jeff. The 2007 football season was also his first with Clarksville, serving as the Generals’ defensive line and strength and conditioning coach.

Maddox loves the opportunity to instruct teenagers and influence their lives.

“I love them. I love seeing them succeed — that’s what makes it all worth it,” Maddox said. “The money is real little in coaching. But seeing them succeed is way worth it. I’d do it for free.”

Struck says Maddox has been a positive influence for all his wrestlers.

“He has a lot of good motivational tips for kids as he has experienced a lot in life,” Struck said. “He provides an excellent role model for our kids that wonder if they should play one sport or two. He tries getting every kid involved in as much as they can get in. We are very happy to have him with us, and hope it will be a long lasting relationship with our community.”



MADDOX’S JOURNEY TO THE FIRE

• 1998-2002: Served in the Marines; his highest rank was corporal.

• 2002-04: Attended Mt. San Jacinto College in San Jacinto, Calif.; played football for two seasons and competed in wrestling for one year.

• 2004-06: Attended Iona College in New Rochelle, N.Y.; played football for two seasons.

• 2007-present: Preparing to start second season with the Louisville Fire of the arenafootball2 league; also an assistant coach for the Clarksville High School football team and the Jeffersonville High School wrestling team.