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Jersey Flight

Jersey Flight Re-Sign 2x MVP Warren Smith Jr.

August 31, 2020 - National Arena League (NAL)
Jersey Flight News Release


TRENTON - Former National Arena League MVP Warren Smith Jr. has re-signed with the Jersey Flight. The 2021 season will be Smith's eighth season as an arena football quarterback.

"Having a guy like Warren in our locker room, competing to lead this team, assisting with the growth and development of our scheme and philosophy to the entire offense, his leadership ability on and off the field, along with his ability to take over games excites our staff," Flight head coach Terrence Foster said. "Him being a true native of Jersey will definitely excite his already strong support group. Most teams will say it about their team but here in Jersey we truly know the power our QB room holds," Foster added.

"Playing in my home state of New Jersey is a great opportunity," Warren Smith said. "It's always good to be able to have your friends and family at the game. I played in Trenton a couple of years ago and I'd like nothing more than to bring a championship to Trenton."

"Arena football is a great game. The reason I love it so much is because the fans are so close to the field, it's very family oriented and you're talking to the fans. There's a lot of dialogue between players and fans during the game, it feels like a basketball game. The fan and player experience is really cool," Smith said.

After a stellar college career at the University of Maine, Smith began his professional career in Germany with the Dresden Monarchs in 2012. Smith's first season in arena football was with the Richmond Raiders in 2013, leading the Raiders to a championship appearance as a rookie. Smith joined the Trenton Freedom in 2014, winning league MVP during his season in Trenton. Smith and wide receiver Roger "Spider-Man" Jackson were a dynamic duo as Spider went on to be named the Rookie of the Year.

"I love the adjustments you have to make from outdoor to arena. As a quarterback arena football makes you think faster, make quicker decisions and squeeze the ball in tighter windows," Smith said.

Following his time in Trenton, Smith signed with the Spokane Shock. He was injured during training camp, but once he was fully recovered Smith won the starting job and became a candidate for AFL Rookie of the Year. Following his time with the Shock, Smith became a full time teacher in New Jersey and returned to the area when he played for the Philadelphia Yellow Jackets in 2016. He signed with the Tampa Bay Storm in June after the school year had ended.

In 2017 Smith played for the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks and had a dominant year during the National Arena League's inaugural season. Smith threw for 1,953 yards and 56 touchdowns while completing 66% of his passes, while also rushing for 100 yards and five touchdowns. Smith was named the first ever NAL MVP after the season.

Smith joined the Washington Valor in 2018, taking a three hour drive to continue his football career while still being a full time teacher. Smith had the opportunity to learn and work alongside legendary quarterback Nick Davila, who won five championship titles during his illustrious arena football career. Smith and the Valor went on to win ArenaBowl XXXI.

In 2019 Smith played for the Atlantic City Blackjacks. Smith played in four games and threw for 994 yards and 19 touchdowns, and an additional 5 rushing touchdowns. Smith played exceptionally well in his appearances, including a game where he suffered a severe foot injury but finished the game and threw a touchdown.

"Arena football is one of the most entertaining games out there, you get to see a lot of touchdowns scored, high action against the walls, and this year in Trenton you're going to see a lot of wins. We need everyone to come out and support the state of New Jersey in the state capital of Trenton," Smith said.

Smith is a New Jersey native who won a state championship during his playing days at Lacey Township High School. Smith is now a teacher at Lacey, also serving as a coach for the football team and as the freshman boys basketball coach. TRENTON - Former National Arena League MVP Warren Smith Jr. has re-signed with the Jersey Flight. The 2021 season will be Smith's eighth season as an arena football quarterback.

"Having a guy like Warren in our locker room, competing to lead this team, assisting with the growth and development of our scheme and philosophy to the entire offense, his leadership ability on and off the field, along with his ability to take over games excites our staff," Flight head coach Terrence Foster said. "Him being a true native of Jersey will definitely excite his already strong support group. Most teams will say it about their team but here in Jersey we truly know the power our QB room holds," Foster added.

"Playing in my home state of New Jersey is a great opportunity," Warren Smith said. "It's always good to be able to have your friends and family at the game. I played in Trenton a couple of years ago and I'd like nothing more than to bring a championship to Trenton."

"Arena football is a great game. The reason I love it so much is because the fans are so close to the field, it's very family oriented and you're talking to the fans. There's a lot of dialogue between players and fans during the game, it feels like a basketball game. The fan and player experience is really cool," Smith said.

After a stellar college career at the University of Maine, Smith began his professional career in Germany with the Dresden Monarchs in 2012. Smith's first season in arena football was with the Richmond Raiders in 2013, leading the Raiders to a championship appearance as a rookie. Smith joined the Trenton Freedom in 2014, winning league MVP during his season in Trenton. Smith and wide receiver Roger "Spider-Man" Jackson were a dynamic duo as Spider went on to be named the Rookie of the Year.

"I love the adjustments you have to make from outdoor to arena. As a quarterback arena football makes you think faster, make quicker decisions and squeeze the ball in tighter windows," Smith said.

Following his time in Trenton, Smith signed with the Spokane Shock. He was injured during training camp, but once he was fully recovered Smith won the starting job and became a candidate for AFL Rookie of the Year. Following his time with the Shock, Smith became a full time teacher in New Jersey and returned to the area when he played for the Philadelphia Yellow Jackets in 2016. He signed with the Tampa Bay Storm in June after the school year had ended.

In 2017 Smith played for the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks and had a dominant year during the National Arena League's inaugural season. Smith threw for 1,953 yards and 56 touchdowns while completing 66% of his passes, while also rushing for 100 yards and five touchdowns. Smith was named the first ever NAL MVP after the season.

Smith joined the Washington Valor in 2018, taking a three hour drive to continue his football career while still being a full time teacher. Smith had the opportunity to learn and work alongside legendary quarterback Nick Davila, who won five championship titles during his illustrious arena football career. Smith and the Valor went on to win ArenaBowl XXXI.

In 2019 Smith played for the Atlantic City Blackjacks. Smith played in four games and threw for 994 yards and 19 touchdowns, and an additional 5 rushing touchdowns. Smith played exceptionally well in his appearances, including a game where he suffered a severe foot injury but finished the game and threw a touchdown.

"Arena football is one of the most entertaining games out there, you get to see a lot of touchdowns scored, high action against the walls, and this year in Trenton you're going to see a lot of wins. We need everyone to come out and support the state of New Jersey in the state capital of Trenton," Smith said.

Smith is a New Jersey native who won a state championship during his playing days at Lacey Township High School. Smith is now a teacher at Lacey, also serving as a coach for the football team and as the freshman boys basketball coach.

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