PHOENIX, Ariz. – Since leaving Western New Mexico University, Rod Windsor has continued to pursue his dream of playing professional football which has taken him as high as the National Football League (NFL) and back to the Arena Football League (AFL) where he presently continues to tear up the league.


Windsor parlayed an impressive first season in the AFL with the Arizona Rattlers, one that saw him be named Rookie of the Year after hauling in 193 receptions for 2,372 yards and 47 touchdowns, into receiving a chance in the NFL. Windsor was signed to the Cleveland Browns practice squad for the first time in late 2010 and later was signed by the Buffalo Bills practice squad before the end of 2010. He again found his way back to Cleveland in 2011, as he landed on the practice squad and even suited up for two games before the season ended.


“It was really cool being able to be up there with all of the NFL players,” Windsor said. “It has always been my dream to reach the NFL and I was able to see what it was like up there having made it with Cleveland.”


Following the 2011 season, Windsor was again on the move. Although the NFL wasn't on the schedule for 2012, he was resigned by the Arizona Rattlers and continues to pursue his dream of reaching the NFL once again.


“I am still hopeful that I can make it back to the NFL,” Windsor said. “It is all about being at the right place at the right time and that is what I am hoping will happen.”


Windsor has noticed that his second tour in the AFL has made him more of a veteran having already compiled an impressive season with the Rattlers in 2010.


“I feel like I am more of a veteran presence here as some of the guys look up to me,” he said. “It has been neat for me, as I have been able to teach the game of the AFL to them.”


Differences stand out between the AFL and NFL, as the style of play is still football, but played much differently.


“Trying to train for the NFL is totally different than the AFL,” Windsor said. “It is a different type of running, as in the AFL you run a lot and it is more like practicing for basketball to get into that type of conditioning.”


Having that conditioning paid off for Windsor when the NFL came calling at the end of the 2010 AFL campaign.


“I noticed the conditioning from the AFL really benefited me when I tried out for the NFL,” Windsor said. “I was able to handle a lot of the drills right away when it came to the conditioning, which really helped out.”


This season, Windsor ranks eighth in the AFL in receiving yards per game (105.4), ninth in receptions (60) and tied for fourth in touchdowns (20). He has been named Player of the Week and Playmaker of the Week so far this season. Arizona is 8-1 this season, currently holding a one-and-a-half game lead over San Jose for first in the west division. The Rattlers won the Arenabowl last year, defeating Philadelphia, 72-54.


Windsor is one of just a handful of Division II players currently playing for the Rattlers, another learning tool that he has used when continuing to evolve his game.


“We have some good Division II players on our team this year,” Windsor said. “We continue to have really good players from Division I as well and that only helps the competition and makes everyone get better.”


Windsor played both quarterback and receiver for the Mustangs during his two years with the team, as he led the team in receiving during the 2007 season, pulling in 81 receptions for 1,119 yards and six scores. Windsor's path to WNMU wasn't always a clear-cut path, as he had offers from Division I teams coming out of high school.


“I originally committed to Texas A&M to play quarterback, but wanted to take some time off,” he recalled. “After attending Garden City Community College, I had an offer to come to WNMU and the rest is history.”


It wasn't until his time at WNMU did he switch to receiver and launch his career in professional football.


“I have really enjoyed the ride so far and I just hope that I can get another shot at the NFL,” he said.


Until then, Windsor will look to continue his dominance in the AFL against opposing defenses.