IFL Bay Area Panthers

Panthers Sign WR Chaney-McLarin

February 15, 2024 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


The Panthers see tremendous upside and an explosive athlete with the signing of wide receiver Jon'Tez Chaney-McLarin.

"Tez is a wide receiver with a combination of brawn and quickness that allows him to separate with both power and speed," said Bay Area Head Coach Rob Keefe. "He has the size and demeanor to be a bully on the field as he uses his frame to catch and block in the run game."

The 6'2", 220 pound Chaney-McLarin is appreciative of the opportunity following three college stops that ended at NAIA Mid America Nazarene in Kansas.

"Small talks can open big doors. Some IFL, AFL and CFL teams reached out," said Chaney-McLarin. "I had some interest but they all wanted to see some more film so they could see what I was capable of. I know that I'm talented and blessed to get the opportunity to do what I do."

The Cleveland native started his college career about 2 hours and 15 minutes from home at Bluffton University. However, his stay lasted less than two years with the COVID pandemic causing the school to close.

His next stop was Ottawa University in Kansas. However, staff changes, including the departure of the recruiting coordinator, left him alone and uncomfortable. Targets and wins were in short supply leading to another move.

"We had experienced a losing culture and I felt like I had been through a lot," said Chaney-McLarin. "I was tired of losing so I wanted to go to another institution that was a winner who would believe in me; give me a chance to showcase my talent."

That led him up the road to Mid America Nazarene. It was another NAIA school that had a track record of success.

"It was a totally different vibe. Everyone was on the same page and wanted to win. There was never any losing mindset, and I was surrounded by a bunch of winners." said Chaney-McLarin.

The team success came with a personal sacrifice. Chaney-McLarin went from starting at Ottawa to a backup role with Mid America Nazarene. The Pioneers went 9-2 and won the conference championship while Chaney-McLarin's individual production left pro scouts wanting to see more.

He found encouragement from quarterback Anthony Richardson from the Indianapolis Colts, whom he met in Florida.

"He told me the ins and outs of the business," said Chaney-McLarin. "I talked with the Colts, and they gave me a lot of information about being a professional."

Chaney-McLarin feels he can be a difference-maker on the field and in the locker room. He hit it off with the coaching staff with the same priorities: develop players in a winning culture.

"I felt like it was a good fit. I won a championship last year and know what it takes to win," said Chaney McLarin. "I was doing my homework on the Panthers and saw the organization is about winning with some swagger. The coaches welcomed me with open arms and I'm very thankful."

Chaney-McLarin has witnessed success on the big stage in his own family. His uncle is known as Krayzie Bone from the hip hop group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony that burst in the scene in the early 90s. In a bit of trivia, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony is the only group that has worked with Tupac Shakur, the Notorious B.I.G., Easy-E and Big Pun while they were all still alive.

As he prepares for the trip to California, Chaney-McLarin is inspired by loss. His younger brother was killed by random gun violence on Sept. 17, 2020. Pain is something he uses as fuel for the fire.

"Every time I step on the field, I'm completely focused and play with a chip on my shoulder. Any opportunity I get, I'm going at 100 percent." Said Chaney-McLarin.



Indoor Football League Stories from February 15, 2024


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