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IFL Bay Area Panthers

Wide Receiver "Speedy" Gonzalez Signs with Bay Area

December 14, 2022 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


Wide receiver LaQuvionte Gonzales understands that people may have trouble pronouncing his first name and is fine with people using his nickname "Speedy".

Gonzalez looks to use that speed to stretch defenses in pursuit of a title after signing with the Bay Area Panthers.

"I definitely bring speed but I just want to be that guy they bring in to help us win the championship," said Gonzalez.

Head Coach and General Manager Darren Arbet is fired up about what Gonzalez brings to the table.

"Speed kills. Anytime you have the speed that he has you can make a lot of things happen for a football team," said Arbet. "It changes the way defenses cover you. It changes the way you call plays. It's a big asset for this team to have."

Gonzalez is entering his third IFL season after playing his first two years in Massachusetts and Frisco. In his first year in the league, Gonzalez won a championship with the Pirates and embraces the challenge to make a run for the title with Bay Area.

"It's about the bond with the guys," said Gonzalez. That brotherhood off the field getting to know each other is what it's about. Having a new team with a new staff, when you get on the field with those guys and build that brotherhood, it makes a difference. You play harder for one another."

It's about networking that is bringing Gonzalez to California. A call to a former teammate set everything in motion-or in IFL terms, forward motion.

"In Frisco (running back) Justin Rankin was one of my best buddies on the team," said Gonzalez. "I asked him if he was going back because I was trying to figure out what I was going to do. He said he was going to Bay Area so I reached out to Coach (Dixie) Wooten to see if I could make my way over there as well."

Gonzalez started his collegiate career at Texas A and M before transferring to Kansas. He ended his career with FCS Southeastern.

With a 40-time in the 4.3's, he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Rams in 2018 on a roster with Cooper Kupp, Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods. Gonzalez took a lot from the training camp experience.

"I learned when you get that playbook to be prepared for anything. Kooper Cupp is one of the smartest guys I know and had everything down."

Gonzalez is inspired to be at his best for his two sons: 10-year-old Jayden and 2-year-old Ezra.

"Life hit me fast when I had my oldest. I had to grow up and become a man quickly so I could take care of him. I couldn't' be a little boy raising a little boy so I had to grow up."

Gonzalez is used to doing everything at top speed-coming quickly to the indoor field in San Jose. He's bringing that burst, winning mentality and maturity from life experience out West in a chase for the championship.



Indoor Football League Stories from December 14, 2022


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