*The End In Arizona?

qWest

Report by ISPN's Adam Shephard

After six seasons in the desert, it looks like the Tatsu Nakamura saga might soon be coming to an end in Phoenix.

Initially picked up in a a trade with Orange County that many analysts have called "the biggest trade steal of the modern era," Nakamura is believed to be preparing for his final regular season game at The Saloon in the maroon and gold. Since his arrival in the Outlaws facility, Nakamura has carried his team to the playoffs in each of his six seasons with the teams, including an appearance in the S30 Ultimus Bowl. While another opportunity remains for Nakamura and the Outlaws to try to take home the elusive Ultimus trophy this postseason, many believe this is the one last dance for Nakamura and his Outlaws teammates. As the rise of fellow RB Deadly Memes began eclipsing Nakamura's aging production in Arizona, Nakamura entered free agency ahead of both the S31 and S32 seasons, seriously considering a few offers before returning to the team on a one year contract both years. However, there have been no signs of an extension for S33 from either the Nakamura or Arizona camps as the off-season rapidly approaches. It seems Arizona is content to move on with Deadly Memes leading the backfield and welcoming in John Riggins, the promising Dallas Birddogs prospect and S32 Arizona draftee, as the thunder to Memes lightning.

Though the 32 year-old running back has certainly shown signs of his age and may not be at the level he was in S28, when he took home the ISFL MVP trophy, he's retained a high level of play as a part of the Outlaws' 1-2 punch. Still on pace to finish as a top 10 runner in S32, it will be interesting to see where Nakamura plays next season and just how much tread is left on those future Hall of Fame tires.

When asked for a response to speculation that S32 would be his final season as an Outlaw Tatsu Nakamura told reporters: "Man, I never know what the future holds. I think I could seriously play for at least another season in the ISFL. I have so much love for everyone in the Outlaws organization, all the way up to Mr. Whiz and Mr. Crunk. I have so much love for all of the Outlaws fans. I have so much love for all of my teammates. But I also know as much as anyone that this is a business and sometimes it's just a matter of timing and situations and sometimes it's for the best for you to move on somewhere else. For right now though I'm focused on taking care of business against the Second Line and then heading into the playoffs and finally taking the trophy we deserve and have been working so damn hard for."

(Legally tamperable upcoming FA btw)