One concept that has always separated the Arena Football League from the pack is the “Ironman.”

The Ironman, an AFL term for a two-position player, is one of the toughest and most challenging roles in the game. It takes exceptional mental and physical conditioning to endure the nonstop grind of an Arena Football game.

The JLS Ironman of the Year award is given to a player who is counted on for inspired play in more than just one facet of the game. 2011 AFL Hall of Fame inductee Barry Wagner won the award six times in a row, a feat that will likely never be duplicated.

But PJ Berry would love to try. Last season’s Ironman of the Year amassed an AFL-record of 3,708 all-purpose yards and 101 kickoff returns for the New Orleans VooDoo. Berry, a natural receiver, also showed his flexibility, not only hauling in 27 receiving touchdowns, but rushing for nine and returning five kicks for scores as well. In Week 11 against the Arizona Rattlers, Berry caught 12 passes for 154-yards and three touchdowns, while returning eight kickoffs for 185-yards, including a 57-yard return for a touchdown. He finished with an AFL season-high 339 all-purpose yards on the night.

Berry hopes to repeat this season as a member of the Pittsburgh Power, but competition will be steep.

Georgia’s CJ Johnson was awarded the JLS Ironman of the Week award twice in 2011 and finished the year with 3,295 all-purpose yards.

“CJ is a true AFL Ironman,” Force Head Coach Dean Cokinos said of his top receiver. “He really is an explosive player. The main thing with him is that you get the same high level, consistent effort every game.”

Chicago Rush receiver Reggie Gray is another one to keep an eye on. The third-year man accumulated 2,678 all-purpose yards and 53 total touchdowns last season as a receiver and return man and has hinted that he may be seeing some time as a defensive back this year as well, giving him traiditional Ironman credentials.

There are few other “old school” Ironmen, who play on both offense and defense at the highest level.

San Antonio’s Jamar Ransom is one of them. Ransom was among the League’s defensive leaders last season with five fumble recoveries and more than 80 tackles, but also led the Tulsa Talons in rushing touchdowns with seven. Orlando’s Marlon Moye-Moore is another fullback/linebacker who could make a push for consideration. Moye-Moore won the JLS Ironman of the Week award in Week 4 last year. San Jose’s Jason Geathers and Georgia’s Derek Lee have both spent time as receivers and linebackers, while Milwaukee’s Marcus Everett played both receiver and defensive back last season.

Every JLS Ironman of the Week selection throughout the season is awarded with a commemorative timepiece, crafted by JLS.