Former NIU football player Carl Aikens was named the Arena Football League’s 1989 “Ironman of the Year,”_ an award given to the player who best exemplifies “two-way” toughness on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

Aikens, a split end during his Huskie days, starred for the Chicago Bruisers as a wide receiver/defensive back. He led the league in receiving (17 catches for 360 yards) and ranked second in scoring (48 points on eight touchdowns). On defense, Aikens ranked No. 2 overall with 29 tackles and two interceptions.

At NIU, Aikens played for coaches Bill Mallory and Lee Corso. In 1984, Aikens led the team in all-purpose yardage (758) and scoring (six touchdowns for 36 points). Prior to college, he starred at Currie High School in Chicago.