IFL Bay Area Panthers

Former Panthers' LB Calhoun Inspires Ahead of Open Tryouts

Published on February 24, 2023 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


The former Bay Area Panther said as much by direct message with a picture of Calhoun on a split-screen: the left side wearing #8 in his Panthers' uniform and on the right wearing his #48 of the Vegas Vipers of the XFL.

Calhoun was signed to play for Bay Area in 2023 but was the given the opportunity most in the IFL aim for-a shot at the next level. The former Arizona State standout took his shot and has not looked back. Calhoun not only made the Vipers roster but was the team leader in tackles in the season-opening 22-20 loss to Arlington.

Because of the COVID pandemic, Calhoun was like many players who had to wait to showcase their skills. With the growing pains of an expansion franchise, Calhoun was team's best player. He led the team in tackles by a wide margin, was a demon on special teams and was even used at fullback early in the year in goal line situations. The offensive snaps were his first since his junior year at El Cerrito High School where Calhoun was a three-year varsity starter.

Coaches and teammates witnessed Calhoun play through pain with numerous nagging injuries throughout the season. By the end of the year, he was on the sideline but still rooting on the squad with encouragement.

Calhoun's story could be the push for someone else to make it happen. Almost all of the IFL players dream of taking the next step to a higher level.

Tomorrow at Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill, athletes with a passion and dream will be put through scouting combine drills. The numbers on stop watches and tape measures could get them in the door.

It only happens to those willing to put themselves on the line and understand the journey.

Words to live by from Chester Barnard, "To try and fail is at least to learn; to fail to try is to suffer the inestimable loss of what might have been."

DJ will be rooting for you.

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Indoor Football League Stories from February 24, 2023


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