IFL Bay Area Panthers

Panthers Re-Sign DB Tyrone Cromwell III

February 7, 2024 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


Defensive back Tyrone Cromwell III will reunite with Rob Keefe for his fourth IFL season after re-signing with the Bay Area Panthers.

Cromwell played for Keefe in previous IFL stops at Iowa, Northern Arizona and last season with the Panthers.

"We are thrilled to have Ty back in the secondary for us," said Keefe. "He has the experience, feet and agility to be a lockdown corner and the ball skills to make teams pay."

Like death and taxes, Cromwell and Keefe did enivitably connect about joining forces in the off-season.

"We're two peas in a pod and always on the same page," said Cromwell. "If he has any questions when it comes to the back end, I'm one of those guys he can come to. And if I feel that the team needs something, I can go to him and let him know. It shows how valuable you are to the coaching staff."

Last season, Cromwell was a part of the Bay Area defensive backfield until suffering a torn pectoral muscle in the home game against Northern Arizona in May.

"It was a complete tear, so I had to go through the entire process. Everything is looking good," said Cromwell. "The PT folks have done a great job in leading me in the right direction to heal properly."

Cromwell began his college career at Division II Clarion University in Pennsylvania before his quest for a challenge took him to Florida Tech. He went on to earn 2019 All-Gulf Conference Second Team honors, ranking second in the conference in passes defended and had three interceptions. His 96-yard return for a score against Fort Valley State was the second longest in school history.

While Cromwell has been around the block in the indoor game, his influence brought one of his good friends to the West Coast. He played in high school with rookie linebacker Chrys Lane from Shepherd University, whom he sold on the Panthers' experience.

"His work ethic is unmatched. He's a great guy and stays focused," said Cromwell of Lane. "He's all about his business and Panthers' Nation is going to really love him."

Cromwell III was coached by his father in youth football. That arrangement doesn't always work out with the parents often being too stern or too lenient. That was not the case in the Cromwell family.

"My dad was never too hard on me. I always had the drive to push through adversity. If I'm upset or mad, he's the one who could turn it around for me. It was the confidence boost and someone in my ear to help me control my emotions on the field was something that really helped me going back to rec ball."

Motivated to train young players without significant financial resources, Cromwell and childhood friend Desmond Banks started their business,TD Footwork.

"By playing and coaching in high school and college, we have knowledge to pass down to the younger athletes. Our prices are way lower than other trainers because our purpose is different than theirs," said Cromwell.

In 2022, Cromwell earned a championship ring with Keefe at Northern Arizona, completing the turnaround from one win the season before to winning it all. He only was able to experience part of the turnaround with the Panthers before getting hurt. The pursuit of another championship is a driving force to return to California.

"There's a great camaraderie in the locker room. A lot of the guys have stayed in contact with each other since last season," said Cromwell. "Also, some of the players who were on the team last year are getting a shot at a higher level. That makes things intriguing, and I want come back to push even harder."



Indoor Football League Stories from February 7, 2024


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