IFL Northern Arizona Wranglers

Northern Arizona Wranglers Sign Wide Receiver John Maldonado

Published on December 8, 2023 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Northern Arizona Wranglers News Release


Maldonado joins the Wranglers for his first season in the Indoor Football League. Maldonado spent his collegiate career in his hometown at Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J. Maldonado was phenomenal for the Profs for four seasons, posting 157 receptions for 2,225 yards and 21 total touchdowns. Maldonado earned a spot on the All-New Jersey Athletic Conference First Team twice, both as a junior and senior in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Maldonado also earned a spot on the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area squad during both of those seasons.

Maldonado leads by example on and off the field, earning the Team Captain title as a junior and senior, as well as earning the Joy Solomon Leadership Award from Rowan University. Maldonado was also the selected recipient of the Rowan University Athlete of Distinction Award. In 2022, Maldonado also earned a selection for the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District squad. Maldonado received his bachelor's degree in finance from Rowan University. Maldonado is also on track to graduate this December with his Master of Business Administration, with a concentration in finance.

Maldonado is originally from Glassboro, N.J., where he attended Glassboro High School. Regarding his career at Rowan, Maldonado stated, "I was blessed with the opportunity to play college football in my hometown." Maldonado expanded by stating, "I had played football, but I really thought I was going to play baseball in college until my senior year of high school; I had a breakout year." As far as his inspiration to start playing football at the age of four, Maldonado credits his two older brothers. Maldonado explained by saying, "I was the youngest of two older brothers, I was around football and got into it early, I always had the drive to prove myself and show that I could hang with the older kids." As far as what continues to drive Maldonado to continue playing, he stated, "Being from a small town, high school, and even college, not many guys get the opportunity to play at the next level in any league." Maldonado added to this by saying, "I am truly blessed with the opportunity to put my name, town, and school on the map. I want to show other players that there is talent everywhere and they can play at the next level as well."

When asked about what he is looking forward to about joining the Wranglers, Maldonado stated, "I am really excited for the opportunity to continue to play the game that have loved for my whole life." Maldonado expanded by saying, "I can't wait to get professional experience and play in front of the fans. I love the adrenaline rush from playing in a game. I want to make plays and win games." What can Wranglers fans expect from Maldonado on the field? Maldonado stated, "The fans can expect someone who will be hungry and willing to put all kinds of work in to put on a show and have a great year."

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Indoor Football League Stories from December 8, 2023


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