Espinosa Makes It Official
November 14, 2019 - National Arena League (NAL)
Columbus Lions News Release
The Columbus Lions are bringing back a big piece of the offense that got them to back to back championship games with the signing of quarterback Mason Espinosa. Espinosa spent the last year with the Albany Empire of the now defunct Arena Football League. In eight games, Espinosa complete 12 of 13 passes for 156 yards and four touchdowns.
Back in 2017 with the Columbus Lions, Espinosa was 4th in the league in total passing yards per game with 121.4. He would also finish 4th in total touchdowns with 31. But most important was his keen eye on the field, leading the NAL in passing efficiency (109.7) and completion percentage (66.7). In the playoff game vs the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks, Espinosa had a game of a lifetime. He would complete 25 of 35 passes for 311 yards and seven touchdowns to lead the Lions over the Steelhawks 52-50. In the championship game vs Jacksonville, Espinosa put up the numbers with 207 yards and 3 touchdowns, but the Lions would fall just short 27-21,
2018 showed why Espinosa became one of the hottest quarterbacks in the league. He once again led the league in passing efficiency (107.7) and completion percentage (64.3) but also was 2nd in the league in passing yards per game (223.7), least interceptions thrown (7) and 3rd in the league in passing touchdowns (66). The solid framework laid out in an MVP 2018 season led the Lions back to the NAL Championship where they would fall to Carolina.
Coach Gibson stated he was excited about the signing and the leadership that Espinosa brings. "This is big for our organization. Mason is does a lot for our community and his leadership and talent on the field is unmatched."
National Arena League Stories from November 14, 2019
- Espinosa Makes It Official - Columbus Lions
- All-NAL Defensive Back Dallas Jackson Returns to Jacksonville - Jacksonville Sharks
- Williams Re-Signs with Pirates - Massachusetts Pirates
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