IFL Bay Area Panthers

Champion DB Marquise Bridges Leaves Panthers for CFL

Published on January 30, 2024 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


Defensive back Marquise Bridges is the latest example of using his IFL experience as a springboard to bigger things after signing with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League following a season with the Bay Area Panthers.

"I'm 20 times better as a football player than I was when I was coming out of college because of the IFL," said Bridges. "The level of competitiveness we have in that league and the mentality of those involved make that league so worth it. I'm very appreciative of what the IFL has done for me."

Bridges played his best ball down the stretch of the championship run and ended the year with a team-leading seven interceptions. Two of those were in the championship win over Sioux Falls.

"We are extremely happy for Marquise. It's awesome to see all his hard work and efforts pay off," said Panthers Head Coach Rob Keefe.

However, one of the moments that Bridges looks back at in 2023 was in Frisco with a play he didn't make. The Panthers had an opportunity to put away an Eastern Conference power and Bridges dropped a ball that would have probably been the game-winning pick-six.

"That was a defining moment for me where I had to tighten things up from this or I was going to fold. I had a lot of support," said Bridges. "When I got back to the locker room, I was a little broken down and my teammates told me that it would all come full circle for me."

In the next game at home against San Diego, Bridges had two interceptions and broke up two more passes to get his confidence back.

He was hitting his stride and hauled in two more interceptions in the following game at Duke City to close the regular season and broke up three passes in the first-round playoff win over Tucson.

The off-season was where Bridges was at a career crossroads. He changed his agent and within two days, the wheels were turning with Winnipeg picking Keefe's brain for his thoughts on Bridges. Enduring all the hard work and challenges had finally paid off.

"I didn't break down crying in that moment, but I was overzealous and at a loss for words," said Bridges. "All I can say is that I'm grateful and ready to get to work and more antsy than I've ever been to prove myself again."

Bridges brings a championship DNA north of the border. He won two IFL titles playing with Keefe at two stops in franchise turnarounds from one win to winning it all. Before turning pro, Bridges won four national titles in college at FCS powerhouse North Dakota State.

"Embedded in our culture is hard work, enjoying the process of getting better, winning and helping players move up to the next level. We wish him nothing but the best," said Keefe.

Bridges is the latest Bay Area player to parlay his IFL experience into career advancement. He's hoping his story will be encouragement for others to follow their dreams.

"That's what I live for. I concluded a long time ago that I'm going to be a journeyman," said Bridges. "I want my story to inspire people. I want to inspire people in this league, people in their regular lives and in the corporate world. I'm a testament to keep the faith and keep believing in yourself."

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Indoor Football League Stories from January 30, 2024


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