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IFL Bay Area Panthers

All-IFL Wideout JT Stokes Re-Signs with Bay Area

December 4, 2023 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


A fan favorite returns in search of another championship with the Panthers announcing the signing of wide receiver JT Stokes.

"We are excited to have JT back as a key, experienced leader for the Bay Area Panthers," said Head Coach Rob Keefe. "Stokes is an explosive route runner that has big play capabilities every time he steps on the field."

Stokes shared the league lead with 27 touchdown catches and finished fifth in the IFL with 73 receptions. For his efforts, Stokes was named All-IFL Second Team Offense.

"I wouldn't want to play anywhere else in the IFL," said Stokes. "The support we get from the franchise and the fans makes it the place to be and I'm grateful for the opportunity."

As the 2023 season moved on, Stokes also became a key cog in the team's running attack, finishing as the team's third leading rusher. In the team's record-setting 75-40 win over San Diego, Stokes scored a career-best five touchdowns-three receiving and two rushing.

"I played running back all through high school and switched to receiver because that's what I thought I needed to do to be successful. But I've always been a running back."

Former Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson was Stokes' role model to play the position.

"I loved how hard he ran the ball and the physicality he played with," said Stokes. "It was inspiring to see him run. That's who I based my game after when I was younger."

Following his collegiate career at Wingate, Stokes broke into the IFL with the Bismarck Bucks and made the IFL All-Rookie Team. The big-play threat led the league with more than 16 yards per catch but it wasn't entirely smooth sailing. Stokes said it took his entire rookie season to cope with the walls of the indoor game.

"You really can't have any fear with the wall," said Stokes. "You've got to take it for what it is and go attack the ball. That's how I approach dealing with the wall every game."

No play typified that approach more than the road game at Northern Arizona when Stokes soared over the side wall in the end zone for a touchdown catch that ranked among the best in the league for 2023.

"I just wanted to make a play. That's all I was worried about. It was 4th down and a big play. It doesn't matter where I was at the time, I just had to go get the ball," said Stokes.

There wasn't much down time for Stokes following the championship run. He resumed training a week after the win over Sioux Falls to maintain the competitive edge. Stokes is after another ring while continuing to make strides as a pro.

"I want to keep getting better at my craft like my route running and ability to create separation every single play," said Stokes. "I just want to hold myself to a higher standard, put together some great film, go hard every play, make great blocks and just be the best I can be."



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