IFL Bay Area Panthers

Panthers Stars Catchings and Rankin Sign with the CFL

Published on November 27, 2023 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


Compete for a championship and showcase skills to get to the next level. Those are incentives for players to sign with the Bay Area Panthers. The latest to use their time in Northern California as a springboard are offensive lineman Amari Catchings and running back Justin Rankin who are taking their talents to the Canadian Football League.

"We couldn't be more excited for Amari and Justin to continue their dream of playing football in the CFL," said Panthers Head Coach Rob Keefe.

Catchings heads to the BC Lions after anchoring the third ranked scoring offense in the IFL. For his efforts, Catchings was named All-IFL Second Team and made the IFL All-Rookie Team.

"I've been looking at this as a great opportunity-to take these steps and be grateful for them," said Catchings."

As for his offseason training before heading to Canada, Catchings will stick with his routine while hoping the temperature drops in his hometown of Jackson, Miss.

"Hopefully, we can have a good, cold winter so I could get used to it," said Catchings. "We had a very hot summer so a lot of people are saying we'll have a very cold winter."

As an example of climbing the professional ladder, Catchings preceded his time with the Panthers with a stint in Fan Controlled Football, an interactive league where sport meets video game. Through an app, fans call the plays before each snap, making a coach's game plan a nonfactor. During his FCF stint, Catchings crossed paths with ex-NFL players Johnny Manziel, Terrell Owens, Martavis Bryant and Panthers' co-owner Marshawn Lynch.

Rankin signed with the Edmonton Elks after leading IFL in carries, finishing second in yards while leading all IFL backs with 49 touchdowns. He broke his own team record with six rushing scores in the Western Conference Championship Game win over Northern Arizona and added another touchdown in the IFL National Championship Game win over Sioux Falls.

"To all my arena guys, KEEP GOING," encouraged Rankin. "Block out the noise and take advantage of the opportunity because you're extremely close to where you want to be."

Faith has been a huge part of Rankin's journey, citing John 13:7 as a clue to what kept him going from Bismarck to Frisco to San Jose before Canada.

"What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand," said Rankin, quoting scripture.

The Panthers lost two players to higher leagues before the end of camp and three more during the season. The CFL signings of Catchings and Rankin bring the total to seven for 2023. For Keefe, it's a rewarding part of the business.

"We are grateful for their efforts in helping our organization win the 2023 IFL Championship," said Keefe. "Our goal is to win, have fun and help players climb the ladder of their professional football careers."

As the open tryout and training camp approach, the next group of players is paying dues with punishing training sessions in the weight room along with agility, skill and technique work. The stories of Catchings and Rankin will inspire those willing to put themselves on the line with no guarantees. All that's promised is an opportunity.

Who's next?

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Indoor Football League Stories from November 27, 2023


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