Valor Today
April 23, 2019 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Washington Valor News Release
Washington Valor quarterback Arvell Nelson
(Washington Valor)
Valor kick off 2019 season in Baltimore this Friday
With training camp in the past and final roster cuts made, the Valor shift their focus to Week 1 - a rematch of ArenaBowl XXXI against the Baltimore Brigade this Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m. at Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Md.
Valor announce 24-man Week 1 roster
Valor Head Coach Benji McDowell announced today that the team has finalized its 24-man roster heading into Week 1 of the regular season.
"We think we have a great group heading into this season," McDowell said. "We have a lot of contributors returning from last year and a good mix of new faces. So many of these guys had an outstanding couple weeks of training camp. We've put ourselves in a position to win games and now it's time to go out and start doing it."
For a full look at the Valor's updated roster, visit the team website.
Valor finalize 2019 coaching and football operations staff
Valor Head Coach Benji McDowell announced the team's finalized coaching and football operations staff for the 2019 season:
Benji McDowell (Head Coach)
Cortez Stubbs (Assistant Head Coach, Defensive Backs)
Jeremy Grier (Assistant Coach, Wide Receivers)
Kevin Huff (Assistant Coach, Quarterbacks)
Dionte Savage (Assistant Coach, Offensive Line)
John Peavy (Football Ops & Player Development Manager)
Anthony Lott (Personnel Coordinator)
Shawn Cronin (Football Ops and Equipment Coordinator)
For a full breakdown of the staff's background and experience, see the full release on the team's website.
Valor single-game tickets on sale now
Single game tickets for the 2019 Washington Valor regular season, presented by Capital One, are on sale now. Fans looking to purchase single game tickets may visit the team website or call 202-661-5005. The Valor will play six regular season home games, all at Capital One Arena, including the team's home opener on Saturday, May 11 at 7 p.m. against the Atlantic City Blackjacks and the regular season finale on Saturday, July 20 at 3:30 p.m. against the Columbus Destroyers.
OFFSEASON SPOTLIGHT:
Parker finds his calling in special education
Valor OL Anthony Parker, whose athletic 6'6", 300-pound frame makes it hard to hide his career as a football player, takes pride in his seven-year AFL career. However, when asked about what he does for a living, the Miami native is far more likely to share the work he does off the field. Parker works in Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy for middle school students in Fairfax County.
Parker says he's frequently asked why, as an experienced and accomplished football player, he hasn't spent more time coaching youth or high school football.
"My form of coaching is helping teach kids how to brush their teeth by themselves, put their pants on by themselves, communicate on their communication devices by themselves," Parker said. "Those are the moments I celebrate. That's my niche. That's what gets me going and what makes me happy. I've been doing this for five years now. After football practice, my mindset changes - I just think about helping the kids."
While most players' work day ends at the conclusion of practice, Parker's is often just beginning.
"I normally leave from practice and go straight to work," Parker said. "Sometimes my days don't end until 8 p.m. They're long days, but it's rewarding."
Nelson's offseason marred by housefire
During what was supposed to be a high point of Arvell Nelson's offseason, a December trip to Florida for an end-of-season Pop Warner football tournament for his son's team - which he coached - the Valor quarterback received a call that would change his family's life instantly.
"I got a call that my house caught fire," Nelson said. "We don't know what happened or what caused it, but we lost nearly everything. It was devastating to get that call. We were in such a joyous moment and it turned devastating so fast."
Nelson, a father of three boys, knew he had to serve as an example in that moment.
"My boys look at me each and every day," Nelson said. "If I'm down, they're down. If daddy has his head hanging, they're going to hang their heads. I had to stand strong, take that on the chin and keep pushing because I know who's looking at me."
Following the fire, the Nelsons moved into a hotel until returning to D.C. prior to training camp.
"The Valor helped me out a lot," Nelson said. "Whatever I needed throughout the process; they were there. They made a devasting moment somewhat comfortable."
The cause of the fire is still unknown and under investigation.
GAME INFORMATION:
Season Opener: at Baltimore Brigade (April 26 at 7 p.m. at Royal Farms Arena)
Home Opener: vs. Atlantic City Blackjacks (May 11 at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena)
TICKETS:
Full season ticket memberships are currently on sale for the 2019 season and start as low as $15 per game. For additional information about joining the Gridiron 365 full season ticket membership club, as well as other group and all-inclusive ticket packages, please call the Valor Ticket Sales office at 202-661-5005 or e-mail ticketsales@washvalor.com.
Images from this story
 Washington Valor Head Coach Benji McDowell |
 Washington Valor vs. the Baltimore Brigade |
 Washington Valor quarterback Arvell Nelson |
Arena Football League Stories from April 23, 2019
- Former Baltimore Ravens Wide Receiver Jacoby Jones to Attend Friday's Home Opener - Baltimore Brigade
- Valor Today - Washington Valor
- Valor Announce 24-Man Week 1 Roster - Washington Valor
- Atlantic City Blackjacks Introduce 2019 Roster at Media Day - Atlantic City Blackjacks
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.
