Venom Re-Sign Veal, Ellis
October 2, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Nashville Venom News Release
NASHVILLE (October 1, 2014)-The impressive offseason for the Nashville Venom continued as the 2014 Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) Champions re-signed two more players to defend their championship. Venom Head Coach/General Manager Billy Back announced yesterday that DB Kenny Veal and DL Brian Ellis inked deals with the club. Terms of the agreements were undisclosed.
Veal became a star for the Venom during last season's PIFL playoffs. After struggling in the early part of the regular season, the third year professional out of the University of Toledo earned the Week 12 PIFL Defensive Player of the Week in his team's 60-56 road victory over the Columbus Lions. His elevated play transitioned into the playoffs as Veal grabbed the gain clinching interception in the first round playoff game against Columbus. The following week in the championship game, Veal once again sealed the game snatching an interception and returning it for a TD. His late season heroics earned him three nicknames; "Seal the Deal" Veal, "Vealcro" and "Mr. July".
"I am very excited to be asked back," said Veal. The atmosphere there is perfect for me. The fans are great. They gave me those nicknames. I came into the season never having played in the postseason on any level. In the beginning of the year I thought too much. My teammates kept encouraging me. By the end of the year, the game started slowing down for. I can't wait to get started on this back-to-back run."
Standing 6ft. 6in. and weighing 310 pounds, Ellis was a big part of the very strong defensive line for the Venom last season. His breakout game was on the road win against the Richmond Raiders. On three consecutive plays deep into Raider territory, the fourth year player out of the University of Texas forced a two fumbles and had a sack during the final minute of the first half to propel the Venom to three unanswered scores and turning a 28-21 lead into a 48-21 one.
"Being able to re-sign Veal and Ellis is huge for our organization," said Back. "Kenny came into his own during the playoffs last season and he was a big reason we were able to win it all. He became a great player on the field and was also beloved by the Nashville faithful. Having Brian back with his experience in this league is huge he has been around me for a couple of seasons now and understands my philosophy. When you have a player like that around you it makes getting your message across that much easier. He also played in some big games in college."
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Professional Indoor Football League Stories from October 2, 2014
- Venom Re-Sign Veal, Ellis - Nashville Venom
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