Panthers Re-Sign Defensive Lineman Jamar Claibourn
November 29, 2023 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release
After pulling off the professional rarity of winning two pro football league championships in two months, defensive lineman Jamar Claibourn looks to continue to add title rings to his collection after re-signing with the Bay Area Panthers.
"We are pleased to sign Jamar back for the 2024 season," said Head Coach Rob Keefe. "He added great depth for us last year mid-season and we are excited to watch him excel as he gets a full training camp with us this year."
The feeling is mutual for Claibourn who gets an earlier opportunity to work with Keefe and the Bay Area defense.
"Coming with energy and being really excited about it was different for me," said Claibourn. "It got me excited to go out and play...I can't ask for anything more to be around a coach with that much energy. By going out and running down the field full speed after we scored a touchdown is something you don't really see. "
Claibourn joined Bay Area late in the title winning season after capturing a CIF title playing for the Omaha Beef.
"In all my years that I've played, I never had won back-to-back championships in the same year in two different leagues," said Claibourn. "I hadn't heard of anybody doing that. It means a lot especially doing from somewhere that is almost home. If I can do it again, I'll try to use it as a stepping stone and get to the next level after that. "
Faith has kept Claibourn grounded in an unstable profession with his journey taking him through Louisiville (IFL), Orlando (NAL), Las Vegas (IFL), Columbus (NAL) and Omaha (CIF).
"It's a tough business. There have been so many opportunities that have been presented and even some haven't been the greatest experiences, you've got to keep leaning on God. My parents have helped, of course. But that solid foundation has always been there with faith and my parents."
The journey gives Claibourn a chance to be closer to home. The Sacramento native played at American River College before finishing at Eastern New Mexico where he was named All-Lone Star Conference Honorable Mention in 2019. His position home is in the middle of the line but will prepare to be used in any of the three spots. His versatility role model is the LA Rams star superstar, viewed as the best in the business.
"Look at Aaron Donald and he plays the whole D-line. I want to be able to do what he does just like that."
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Indoor Football League Stories from November 29, 2023
- Panthers Re-Sign Defensive Lineman Jamar Claibourn - Bay Area Panthers
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