IFL Indoor Football League

Celebrating Black History: IFL Players Perspective

Published on February 13, 2023 under Indoor Football League (IFL) News Release


History is always being made. Whether it's on the field or off, there is a new story that is being written every day. When something new happens, it can have a direct impact on future generations.

With that being said, it's important to take a look back at the history that has already been transcribed. Indoor Football League players like JD Griggs and Sterling Clark understand better than most.

"I'm a history major, so Black History Month to me just represents what Black people have been through and what they've overcome," Griggs, a defensive lineman for the Frisco Fighters said. "But it's also to shine a light on the things that Black people have invented and show off Black culture, and the different type of leaders we've had."

Both Griggs and Clark made it clear that they want to be able to use the platform that playing in a professional league provides them to be able to teach. They want to be able to show people things that they may not know.

"[I would ask] that people sit and educate themselves, but educate themselves above school standards," Griggs said. "Do your own research, for example Booker T. Washington and George Carver helped invent the iron board." Griggs feels that by doing that, it would help to create more of an understanding. That in turn would help everyone feel as if they are on more of an even playing field.

"Once we get that understanding, I think it will be a less stressful time in America for everyone," Griggs said.

Clark, an offensive lineman for the Quad City Steamwheelers, uses his platform differently than most. Much of his time off the field is spent in the classroom.

"I don't look at myself as a role model, I look at myself as a real model because of everything I've gone through, my struggle," Clark said. "Being able to give back, because I'm actually a substitute teacher back at home and being able to tell them that they can do anything they set their mind to."

Clark teaches high school, and he makes sure to tell everyone that he has a chance to interact with that their dreams are never out of reach.

"It's surreal to me that I have this platform that I can use to help educate others," Clark said.

Like Clark, Griggs accomplishments and talents aren't limited to playing football. Griggs owns his own company called Field Indoor Turf Apparel.

"I want to show kids who may be ten years old who love this game, that you can what you learn and help others," Griggs said. "The way that I do it is through my company."

Sometimes, the path someone has taken is inspirational on its own. Vegas Knight Hawks defensive back Jericho Flowers is a fine example.

"I'm born and raised in Los Angeles, California and there's a lot of different gang violence there, so being an athlete is really big, but especially being an African-American athlete in this world," Flowers said. "So just pushing myself and separating myself is huge, because it gives me the ability to show the kids that the sky is the limit."

The IFL has also been key in players being able to have a big part in their communities according to the players. That significance isn't lost upon any of them and means more than anyone knows.

"It means a lot, especially with what has transpired in the Black community in the past few years," Bay Area Panthers running back Justin Rankin said. "They really embrace and support our community, and they help us to thrive in a professional league."

This sentiment is felt by more than just Rankin. Around the league, players are all given opportunities to give back. A lot of that has to do with the platform that players gain by being a professional athlete, but the IFL has also been able to support players in many ways.

That support is what has attracted players to the league. Tulsa Oilers running back Tre King is one of those players who came because he saw what the league has been able to do to help.

"It kinda means everything, because that was my mindset before I even signed to play in the league," King said. "Just the fact that the league is having the same mindset of being diverse and everyone being treated equally like that, it just means that everyone is wanted in the league and if you can play, you can play."

These and many other IFL players are using their positions and talents to educate and inspire, both in Black History Month and throughout the year.

"History is still being written," Griggs said.

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Indoor Football League Stories from February 13, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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