Valor Sign All-Arena Defensive Back Marrio Norman
March 6, 2019 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Washington Valor News Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Washington Valor announced today the signings of 2018 First Team All-Arena defensive back Marrio Norman, wide receiver Douglas McNeil III, who was named ArenaBowl XXXI Offensive Player of the Game last season, wide receiver Dezmon Epps and offensive lineman Deveric Gallington.
Norman, the older brother of Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman, enters his seventh year in the AFL. He spent the 2018 season with the Albany Empire, amassing 68.5 total tackles, which tied for second in the league. Norman's best game of 2018 came against the Valor when he tallied season-highs of 10 solo tackles and two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
"Marrio Norman is a proven, impact defensive back and plays a style of football that fits what we want to do on the defensive end of the ball," Valor Head Coach Benji McDowell said. "Marrio provides an immediate upgrade to a position that saw a lot of injuries for us last season. We're excited to have him here."
McNeil III returns to the Valor after playing a key role in the team's 2018 title run. The Baltimore native and Bowie State alumnus joined Washington in Week 12, appearing in the final five games of the season, including ArenaBowl XXXI. McNeil III caught multiple touchdowns in four of his five appearances for the Valor last season, highlighted by three-touchdown performances in both Game 2 of the semifinals and ArenaBowl XXXI, earning Offensive Player of the Game in both outings. Before his AFL career, McNeil III spent time on the practice squads of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and the CFL's BC Lions.
"We are really glad to have Douglas back with us this year," McDowell said. "He came on late last season and established himself as one of the better wideouts in the league. We think he can build on that and be a breakout player for us this season."
Epps enters his first season in the AFL after spending the 2018 season with the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. Epps spent three seasons at the University of Idaho after an acclaimed junior college career at the City College of San Francisco.
Gallington, a Texas Tech graduate, joins the Valor for his fourth AFL season. Gallington last played in the league in 2016 with the Portland Steel.
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Arena Football League Stories from March 6, 2019
- Valor Sign All-Arena Defensive Back Marrio Norman - Washington Valor
- Albany Empire Adds 15 Players on the Second Day of Free Agency - Albany Empire
- Atlantic City AFL Signs First Three Players to Inaugural Roster - Atlantic City Blackjacks
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