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Massachusetts Pirates

Pirates Add Spaight to Linebacking Core

December 29, 2020 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Massachusetts Pirates News Release


WORCESTER, MA. - The Massachusetts Pirates are adding legitimate NFL experience to the linebacker position. Martrell Spaight, a former NFL draft pick who played parts of four NFL seasons, has been added to the Pirates roster for the 2021 season. Spaight, who announced his retirement from football in May 2019, spoke with masspiratesfootball.com about returning to the game.

"The plan was always to come back and play football again. Once I had a chance to talk to my agent, I did some research on the Pirates. I wanted to be a part of that brotherhood and chase a championship."

Spaight (6'0", 235 pounds) began his NFL career with the Washington Redskins, after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, and had his most productive years in Washington as a professional football player. He appeared in just one game as a rookie, but played in a total of 29 games from 2016-17. Also in that span, Spaight recorded 103 total tackles. Spaight also recorded one interception and four tackles for loss in his time with Washington.

Spaight was released by Washington in September 2018 and signed with the Miami Dolphins that same month. He was then cut by Miami in November 2018 and signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars four days later. He was ultimately released by Jacksonville in December 2018.

In January 2019, Spaight signed a reserve/future contract with the Kansas City Chiefs before announcing his retirement in May 2019. Overall, Spaight recorded 107 total tackles in 37 career NFL games.

Pirates president and general manager Jawad Yatim is very happy to bring Spaight in.

"In Martrell's case, the first thing that pops out on tape is that he plays with a lot of energy and passion, he's the type of player that leaves it all out on the field, and we feel he's going to be an accountable and professional presence in our locker room, someone that is truly looking to capitalize on the opportunity. He's violent and very physical at the point of contact, a sound tackler, coordinated and athletic enough to drop in and be effective in coverage, plays well in space and obviously comes here well-coached having played at the highest level of football collegiately and professionally. He's hungry to get back in the game and with someone who's accomplished as much as he has, his approach is a refreshing one. Glad to have him aboard."

Spaight played two years of college football at the University of Arkansas from 2013-14. He appeared in just seven games in 2013, but in 2014, Spaight turned heads. He racked up 128 total tackles, which led the SEC. After the 2014 season, Spaight was voted First Team All-SEC and was selected to play in the 2015 Senior Bowl.

Spaight played his first two years of college football at Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kansas. He is a native of Little Rock, Arkansas.

The Massachusetts Pirates are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL). The Pirates play all home games at the DCU Center located at 50 Foster St. Worcester, MA. 01608. For more information on the Massachusetts Pirates please call (508) 452-MASS (6277), email contact@masspiratesfootball.com or visit http://www.masspiratesfootball.com. Single-game tickets are available online at ticketmaster.com or the DCU Center Box Office. For season, half-season, luxury, or group ticket packages please call 508-452-MASS (6277). Follow the Pirates on Facebook via Facebook.com/MAPirates, Instagram @mass.pirates, and Twitter @mass_pirates. #GetHooked #AllAboard

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