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IFL Bay Area Panthers

Championship DB Marquise Bridges Signs with Bay Area

January 9, 2023 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


It's all about the ring and an opportunity for Marquise Bridges. The IFL champion defensive back feels he can get both after signing with the Bay Area Panthers.

Bridges was key member of the turnaround in Northern Arizona with firsthand experience of what is possible in the Bay Area.

"My whole life, I've never really lost. I want to keep it that way," said Bridges.

At FCS powerhouse North Dakota State, Bridges won four national championships with the Bison winning 70 of 75 games, including his redshirt season in 2015. Bridges coming out party was in the 2017 FCS semifinals against Sam Houston State where he recorded his first two interceptions. The sophomore made his first start in the championship game against James Madison and he stayed in the starting lineup for the rest of his career. Bridges played in 12 NCAA playoff games, twice named All-Missouri Valley Football Conference and made the MVFC Honor roll two times.

"The foundation was set long before I got there," said Bridges. "You slowly start off and watch the people above you and understand the standard we try to keep every year. It's a yearly goal for us but for the most part we had our weekly goals ...going 1-0 for the week. We're not looking toward the national championship. The first thing we want to do is win the conference and that puts us in a good spot to win the national championship."

COVID in 2020 knocked the opportunity for NFL minicamps. Staying ready, Bridges eventually got a workout with the 49ers.

In March 2021, NDSU held its pro day with the focus on quarterback Trey Lance. Bridges was able to showcase his skills there along with Bison offensive tackle Dillon Radunz.

Bridges opened some eyes which led to an opportunity with the Minnesota Vikings. However, a groin injury temporarily derailed his NFL dream.

"That's always been the goal. You can always elevate in class. I got a taste in 2021 and all it did was make me want it more. I realized what a great opportunity it was."

Bridges continues the western migration of former Wranglers--following teammates Darin Hungerford, Kenton Bartlett, Bill Atkins, Tevin Homer and Trae Meadows. The group played for defensive doordinator Rob Keefe who has sold the group on the new head coach, Arena Football League Hall of Fame member Darren Arbet.

"He said we're similar in terms of character and just being a good guy, "said Bridges. "He's said he's very knowledgeable of the game and that I'll really take to him when we spend time in person."

Through success and adversity, Bridges continues to push forward. He plays for those who have rooted him on through the years with the support system critical in life on and off the field.

"It's the biggest thing for me, honestly," said Bridges. "My support system is one of the best things to ever happen to me. I'm sure Bay Area will be experiencing that a lot because you'll see a lot of my family members out there. That's my motivation. "



Indoor Football League Stories from January 9, 2023


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