IFL Bay Area Panthers

Former Jackson State OL Amari Catchings Signs with Bay Area

Published on March 10, 2023 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


The Panthers have filled out their 40-man roster for training camp with the signing of former Jackson State offensive lineman Amari Catchings.

"He's big and powerful. That's something you want with some girth on that line and he definitely gives you that," said Panthers' General Manager and Head Coach Darren Arbet. "But Amari doesn't just bring size-he's got some tools that could really help us up front."

After his time at Jackson State, Catchings played in Fan Controlled Football, an interactive league where sport meets video game. Through an app, fans call the plays before each snap, making a coach's game plan a nonfactor. During his FCF stint, Catchings crossed paths with ex-NFL players Johnny Manziel, Terrell Owens, Martavis Bryant and Panthers' co-owner Marshawn Lynch.

"It was a good experience being around those type of pros trying to get back to where they were," said Cachings. "We were able to pick up some of the knowledge in terms of work ethic."

The offensive lineman's adaptability was put to the test earlier with an invitation to play in the first HBCU Legacy Bowl following his college career. He was like a student who had to cram for a test.

"We had to learn a playbook over two days with some more just before the game. I had to show I could learn on the fly."

Catchings comes to the Bay Area to improve his game and to win. He was part of the turnaround at Jackson State before and during the Deion Sanders era, leaving with a SWAC championship ring.

"We've got to pull everybody in the same direction if we're going to win-make sure it's about the team."

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