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Former Minnesota Viking Signed by Baltimore Mariners

October 15, 2009 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Baltimore Mariners News Release


BALTIMORE, MD (October 15, 2009) - Fearon Wright, who spent the 2001 season with the Minnesota Vikings and was the Baltimore Mariners leader in sacks and tackles for a loss in 2009 has re-signed with the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) team for the 2010 season.

"I am very excited to have Fearon back in a Mariners uniform. The guy has a motor that does not quit and he is very much the leader of the defense when it comes to motivation and attitude. Fearon is versatile where he can play both defensive line and linebacker," stated Mariners Head Coach Chris Simpson.

After lettering for four seasons at Ferris High School of Jersey City, New Jersey and earning All-County honors as a tight end and defensive end, Wright then played for two seasons at Dean College of Franklin, Massachusetts. While at Dean he earned National Junior College All-American honors. Wright then transferred to Rhode Island where he left a mark on the Rams' record book. In 18 games he notched 100 tackles (55 solo/45 assisted), 27 tackles for a loss, and seven sacks. He is still among the Rhode Island all-time leaders in most quarterback sacks in a game (3), most tackles for a loss in a season (14) and career (27), and most forced fumbles in a season (3) and career (4). He was a second team All-Atlantic 10 selection following his senior season.

Following his college career at Rhode Island Wright was signed to a free-agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings. Wearing #59 he saw action in the Vikings first seven games of the 2001 season and recorded special teams tackles against the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions. He was placed on injured reserve following a shoulder injury and was released by the NFL squad in February 2002.

After a hiatus from professional football Wright joined the Carolina Speed of the AIFA in 2008. Playing in nine games he quickly made his mark on opponents' offenses tallying 12 solo tackles, 11 assisted, 3.5 tackles for a loss, and 3 sacks. In 2009 he signed a contract with the Mariners and became one of the teams leading defenders and a fan favorite. He led the team in sacks with 6.5 and tackles for a loss (7.5) and finished the season as the Mariners fourth leading tackler with 18 solo and 14 assisted.

"Fearon is an excellent defensive football player. I have had the unique opportunity of playing offensive line across from him and battling it out for four quarters. I have also had the honor of coaching and playing with him last season. With that, you learn a lot about a player and their ability to think and react under pressure. Fearon is a competitor, a leader, and will not accept anything less than 100% from himself or his teammates on game day," said Mariners General Manager Greg Justice.

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