Atlantic City AFL Signs First Three Players to Inaugural Roster
March 6, 2019 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Atlantic City Blackjacks News Release
ATLANTIC CITY- Atlantic City AFL (AC AFL) announce that three players have been assigned to the team roster on the second day of free agency. Per League and team rules, terms are not disclosed. These players mark the first three players to ever be assigned to the new franchise. The free agency signing period for the Arena Football League began on Monday, March 4
Paul Browning, Wide Receiver
Paul Browning joins AC AFL with three years of Arena Football experience under his belt. Attending Colorado State University-Pueblo, Browning earned All-American and All-Conference honors while becoming the all-time school leader in receiving yards with 2,507. Browning helped lead his team to a NCAA Division II Football Championship in 2014. After graduation, Browning had brief stints in the 2015 offseason with the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers. Browning found himself playing for the Orlando Predators in the AFL. One year later in 2017, he moved onto the Cleveland Gladiators. He was traded to the Baltimore Brigade where he played the full year at the wide receiver position for the team's inaugural season. Browning is excited to be part of a winning culture and can't wait to play in front of a packed house in Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.
LaRoche Jackson, Defensive Back
A Georgia native, LaRoche Jackson brings eight years of AFL experience to AC AFL. He began his indoor career in 2008 playing with the Carolina Speed in the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) where he made an immediate impact, earning Rookie of the Year. In 2009, Jackson found himself with the Bloomington Extreme of the Indoor Football League (IFL) where he was named First Team All-IFL. After spending time in the CFL, LaRoche transitioned to the AFL debuting with the Jacksonville Sharks where he was part of a championship team in 2011. LaRoche spent 2013 in the X-League with the Lakeland Raiders before returning the AFL in 2013 and playing through 2017. In 2018, LaRoche was a member of the Atlanta Havoc in the American Arena League (AAL). The defensive back is looking forward to being active in the community and visiting local hospitals and the Boys and Girls Club.
Warren Smith, Quarterback
The first official signing of the new franchise, Warren Smith returns to his home state of New Jersey for the 2019 inaugural season. Originally from Forked River Lacey Township, New Jersey, Smith attended the University of Maine from 2009-2012. During his senior season, Smith was named Second Team All-Conference while capping his collegiate career with a total of 8,025 passing yards, 53 passing touchdowns and 13 rushing touchdowns. He debuted professionally in the German Football League (GFL) with the Dresden Monarchs where he led the team to a 10-0 season. After spending two seasons in the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL), Smith debuted in the AFL with the Spokane Shock. One year later, Smith was assigned to the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks of the National Arena League (NAL). In 2017 with the Steelhawks, Smith was named NAL MVP and First Team All-NAL. After spending 2017 with the Baltimore Brigade, Smith joined the Washington Valor for the 2018 season, capping the year with an ArenaBowl championship.
AC AFL's inaugural campaign will begin on the road on Saturday, April 27th against the three-time League champions, Philadelphia Soul, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Kickoff time will be announced at a later date. AC AFL will play their first ever home game at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on Saturday, May 4 against the Columbus Destroyers. Witness history and get your tickets to the AC AFL home opener by calling 609-783-9494 or by visiting AtlanticCityAFL.com today!
Fans can secure their season tickets for the new Atlantic City Arena Football team now with a $50 deposit per seat ($75 for VIP seats) by calling 609-783-9494 or by going to AtlanticCityAFL.com. A team representative will contact those that have submitted a deposit within a week to select your specific seats, which will be done in order in which deposits were received.
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Arena Football League Stories from March 6, 2019
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- Albany Empire Adds 15 Players on the Second Day of Free Agency - Albany Empire
- Atlantic City AFL Signs First Three Players to Inaugural Roster - Atlantic City Blackjacks
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