IFL Bay Area Panthers

Panthers Sign DB Tyler Watson

November 30, 2023 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


The Panthers added depth to the secondary with the signing of safety Tyler Watson from East Stroudsburg University in eastern Pennsylvania.

"Tyler is an athletic and smart defensive back that can play multiple positions," said Head Coach Rob Keefe. "He is the type of defender that is always involved in the play, using his quickness and recognition to make plays on the ball."

Watson was named All-PSAC twice-recording nine career interceptions. Among his college highlights were a career-best 13 tackles against PSAC Champion Kutztown and a game-sealing fumble recovery against Shippensburg as a senior.

"Joining the Panthers is awesome," said Watson. "They already have built a culture to have a championship team. I'm fortunate this is my first team since my college career ended. I'm ready to go and absorb everything I can to make an impact."

Watson trains young players and enjoys the experience of being a role model. As for Watson's player role model, former Washington safety Sean Taylor is at the top of the list.

"He's my favorite player of all time," said Watson. "I loved his character on the field and he was always there for his team. Off the field, he was a big family man. There are stories about him being at practice on Tuesday and then flying to Miami to see his family. He'd be back in time for the next practice, balance everything and come back to play at the highest level."

While Taylor is Watson's gold standard, others like Ed Reed for his ball hawking skills and the hard-hitting Brian Dawkins left an impact. Budda Baker of Arizona and Jesse Bates III of Atlanta are current players whom Watson admires.

Watson is an avid game film watcher and relentless worker. Nothing is taken for granted coming from a small school.

"I come from Division II so everything wasn't handed to us. We had to really work for things with one of the smaller weight rooms and all of the things that the D1 guys have. The experience definitely builds character."



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