IFL Bay Area Panthers

Panthers Sign Kicker Craig Peterson

Published on July 9, 2023 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


The Panthers believe they've added a key piece in pursuit of a championship with the signing of kicker Craig "The Leg" Peterson.

"We are excited to bring Craig on," said Defensive Coordinator Rob Keefe. "Craig's championship experience, professional mindset, communication and leadership are what we've been looking for in stabilizing the kicker position.

Peterson started the year as the kicker for the Arizona Rattlers before being sidelined with a groin injury-hurt before the May 13 game at Vegas. He's now healthy and ready to contribute where he was destined to play.

"This is where I was meant to be. Everything I was thinking since I was released and trying to manifest that thought and put it into existence was starting to happen," said Peterson. "It's a self-fulfilling prophecy at the end of the day. I'm a man of faith and believe that stuff."

This is the ninth pro season for Peterson and eighth playing indoors. He capped a whirlwind 2022 by kicking for the IFL National Champion Northern Arizona Wranglers-reunited with Keefe and several teammates from the title-winning team.

Peterson is after his fourth championship-previously winning rings in in the NAL with Carolina in 2018 and Albany in 2021 before last year's championship.

"It's unfortunate I got injured but the only way I would have been released is if I had gotten injured. Now, I'm where I'm supposed to be all along. It's just the way it worked out," said Peterson.

Long field goals and deuces are scoring options with Peterson holding the AFL record for most deuces in a game, playoff game, season and career. This season, traditional extra points have been an adventure. Peterson knows well that he's the seventh kicker the team has signed this year. He's confident in his mental strength and determined there will not be number eight.

"At the end of the day, I've got a job to do," said Peterson. "No moment is too big for me and no moment is too small. You have to stay even-keeled and keep your head on straight. I've been doing this for a long time because I work well under pressure."



Indoor Football League Stories from July 9, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central