Pittsburgh Power
The Pittsburgh Power was a professional arena football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that competed in the Arena Football League (AFL) from 2011 to 2014.[1] Established in 2010 as one of three expansion franchises for the league's return that year, the team played its home games at the CONSOL Energy Center and targeted Western Pennsylvania's sports market as the city's second AFL entry after the earlier Pittsburgh Gladiators.[1][2] Primarily owned by businessman Matt Shaner, with minority investors including Pro Football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann and later Trib Total Media, the Power operated in the AFL's Eastern Division and focused on building a local fanbase amid competition from established Pittsburgh teams like the Steelers and Penguins.[3][2] Over four seasons, the franchise posted an overall record of 33 wins and 39 losses, starting with a 9-9 mark in 2011 but struggling in subsequent years with records of 5-13 in 2012 and 4-14 in 2013, hampered by inconsistent attendance that averaged around 6,600 fans per game.[4] The team's most notable success came in 2014 under head coach Ron James, achieving a league-best 15-3 regular-season record, securing their first playoff berth, and drawing improved crowds averaging around 6,400, though they were eliminated in the conference semifinals.[4][5] Despite this turnaround, the Power ceased operations in November 2014 when Shaner and his partners declined to inject additional funds into the unprofitable venture, leading to the players entering free agency or an AFL assignment draft; the league expressed interest in reviving a Pittsburgh franchise but none materialized.[6]History
Pittsburgh's prior AFL history
The Pittsburgh Gladiators were founded in 1987 as one of the four charter franchises of the Arena Football League (AFL), marking the city's entry into professional indoor football as an expansion team alongside the Chicago Bruisers, Denver Dynamite, and Washington Commandos.[7] The team played its home games at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena, a venue with a capacity of 15,089, but faced challenges from the outset due to scheduling conflicts with the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins, which limited available dates and contributed to inconsistent home schedules.[7] In their inaugural 1987 season, the Gladiators finished with a 4-2 regular-season record under head coach Joe Haering, advancing to ArenaBowl I as hosts but falling 45-16 to the Denver Dynamite.[8] Standout performer Russell Hairston, a wide receiver, earned AFL MVP honors that year with 67 receptions for 1,126 yards and 18 touchdowns in just six games.[7] The 1988 season saw the Gladiators post a 6-6 record, quarterbacked by Mike Hohensee, but they missed the playoffs amid growing league-wide instability.[8] By 1989, the AFL operated with only four teams in a shortened schedule, and Pittsburgh went 3-1 in the regular season before reaching ArenaBowl III, where they lost 39-26 to the Detroit Drive despite a strong performance from quarterback Willie Totten.[8] The team's league-owned status from 1987 to 1989 reflected broader financial pressures, with ownership sold to Cleveland businessman Bob Gries for $125,000 ahead of the 1990 campaign.[7] That final year in Pittsburgh yielded a 3-5 record, with no playoff berth, as attendance plummeted to an average of 5,289 per game—second-worst in the league—and the Civic Arena's limitations, including outdated facilities and competition for dates, exacerbated operational difficulties.[7] Financial struggles and waning local interest ultimately doomed the franchise, leading Gries to relocate it on November 15, 1990, to the Florida Suncoast Dome in St. Petersburg, where it was rebranded as the Tampa Bay Storm.[7] The move was driven by the promise of a modern, dedicated arena in Florida compared to the Civic Arena's constraints and Pittsburgh's cooling enthusiasm for the novelty of arena football.[9] Following the Gladiators' departure, Pittsburgh lacked an AFL presence for over two decades, from 1990 until the league's revival efforts culminated in a new franchise in 2011, amid several unsuccessful attempts to reintroduce indoor football in the city during the 2000s.[10]2011 season
The Pittsburgh Power was announced as an expansion franchise for the revived Arena Football League on September 14, 2010, amid the league's efforts to expand into mid-sized markets following a one-year hiatus in 2009 due to financial challenges.[11] On August 20, 2010, Matt Shaner, a Pittsburgh-area businessman and vice president of development at the Shaner Hotel Group, was named principal owner and general manager, bringing local investment to the team.[12] Shortly after, on September 15, 2010, the team hired Chris Siegfried as its first head coach, a veteran arena football tactician with a 79-40 record over 10 seasons, including stints in the af2 league where he earned Coach of the Year honors in 2008.[13] The Power's inaugural 2011 season began with high expectations as one of four expansion teams, but the squad finished with a 9–9 record (.500), securing second place in the Eastern Division behind the Philadelphia Soul and missing the playoffs.[14] Playing all home games at the newly opened Consol Energy Center, the team adapted to the NHL-sized arena by leveraging its modern facilities for enhanced fan experiences, though early challenges included adjusting to the venue's acoustics and sightlines for arena football's fast-paced style.[11] Average attendance reached 9,197, reflecting solid initial interest in Pittsburgh's first professional indoor football team in over a decade.[4] Key moments defined the season's ups and downs, starting with a heartbreaking 58–52 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Soul in the home opener on March 11, 2011, where the Power rallied from a 24-point deficit but fell short in a high-scoring affair.[15] A notable road victory came on March 28 against the Milwaukee Iron, a 49–47 thriller sealed by a late defensive stand, showcasing the team's resilience as an expansion outfit.[16] Quarterback Bernard Morris anchored the offense, completing 318 of 482 passes for 3,783 yards and 72 touchdowns while adding 15 rushing scores, providing stability amid roster turnover typical for a new franchise.[17] Early fan engagement efforts focused on building community ties, with promotions like discounted group ticket packages offering up to 32% off for parties of 15 or more, including on-field recognition and public address shoutouts to foster loyalty in a market with prior arena football disappointments.[11] The team's dance squad, led by Jennelle Johnson, contributed to halftime entertainment, helping integrate the Power into Pittsburgh's sports culture during its debut year.[11]2012 season
The Pittsburgh Power entered their second season in the Arena Football League with high expectations following a 9–9 debut year, but they struggled throughout 2012, finishing with a 5–13 record and a .278 winning percentage. This placed them last in the Eastern Division, out of playoff contention for the second straight year. The team's average home attendance dropped sharply to 5,163 fans per game across nine home contests, a decline of more than 40% from the 9,197 average in 2011, reflecting waning local interest amid on-field disappointments.[4] The season began tumultuously, with the entire roster released just before the March 16 opener against the Orlando Predators due to internal team disputes, leading to hasty re-signings and instability. Quarterback instability plagued the early going, as the Power cycled through options including starter Jason Boltus and backups like Derek Cassidy, contributing to a 2–8 start marked by inconsistent play. Defensive woes were evident from the outset, with the unit surrendering high point totals in losses such as a 59–84 defeat to rivals the Philadelphia Soul on March 23 at Consol Energy Center, where they allowed 84 points. On May 21, after a 2–8 record, head coach Chris Siegfried was fired for the team's poor performance, and defensive coordinator Derek Stingley was promoted to interim head coach.[18][19] Under Stingley, the Power showed flickers of resilience but ultimately went 3–5 in his eight games, finishing the season on a sour note with additional defensive lapses, including a narrow 48–51 loss to the New Orleans VooDoo on April 20. A highlight came on April 15 in a thrilling 57–54 overtime comeback victory over the Predators—the largest in AFL history—where backup quarterback Derek Cassidy replaced an injured starter and led a second-half surge from a 41–17 halftime deficit, scoring 40 unanswered points. However, persistent defensive issues, such as fatigue and poor coverage exposed in high-scoring losses, underscored the unit's struggles, allowing an average of over 60 points per game league-wide.[20][21] The combination of on-field failures, mid-season coaching upheaval, and declining attendance hinted at emerging financial pressures, which eroded team morale and set a challenging tone for future seasons. Players and staff faced uncertainty amid the roster flux and fan apathy, contributing to a sense of instability that carried over from the labor-related preseason disruptions.[22]2013 season
The Pittsburgh Power entered their third Arena Football League season under head coach Derek Stingley, finishing with a 4–14 record that placed them last in the Eastern Division of the American Conference and out of playoff contention. The team scored 726 points while allowing 1,014, reflecting ongoing defensive vulnerabilities that contributed to frequent high-scoring losses. Home games at Consol Energy Center drew an average attendance of 5,865 fans across nine contests.[23][24] The season started with three straight losses, including a 64–33 defeat to the Utah Blaze in the opener and a 61–35 home loss to the Jacksonville Sharks. Pittsburgh secured their first win on April 19, rallying for a 46–43 road victory over the New Orleans VooDoo to improve to 1–3. Further inconsistency followed, with losses to the San Antonio Talons (42–37) and Orlando Predators (52–38) dropping them to 1–5, before back-to-back road wins against the Philadelphia Soul (53–48) and a home upset of the Cleveland Gladiators (55–44) lifted the record to 3–6 through Week 9. However, the team then endured a seven-game losing streak, marked by defensive collapses such as a 78–20 home rout by the San Jose SaberCats and a 71–58 loss at Cleveland, extending the skid to 3–13. The Power ended on a mixed note, winning 48–37 at the Tampa Bay Storm before a final 61–43 defeat to the Spokane Shock.[25] Quarterback instability plagued the offense throughout, with rotations among multiple signal-callers including Shane Austin, Steven Sheffield, and Jordan Jefferson, leading to erratic performances and turnovers in low-scoring outputs during several games. Early-season struggles saw Jefferson and Austin sharing duties amid injuries and inconsistencies, mirroring prior years' issues and hindering offensive rhythm despite the league's realigned divisional format aimed at fostering regional rivalries. Roster adjustments from the 2012 offseason, including new additions at key positions, failed to translate into contention, as the team remained mired in the Eastern Division basement.[26]2014 season
The 2014 season represented a dramatic turnaround for the Pittsburgh Power, who started the year under head coach Derek Stingley but fired him after an opening loss to the Cleveland Gladiators, 53–63, on March 15.[27] The team then hired Ron James as head coach on March 21, marking his third head coaching stint in the Arena Football League after previous roles with the Utah Blaze and Las Vegas Gladiators.[3] Under James's leadership, the Power transformed into a dominant force, finishing the regular season with a franchise-best record of 15–3 (.833 winning percentage) and securing their first playoff berth despite placing second in the Eastern Division behind the Cleveland Gladiators' 17–1 mark.[28][29] The Power's resurgence was fueled by a high-powered offense orchestrated primarily by quarterback Tommy Grady, who threw for 4,717 yards and 102 touchdowns while directing an attack that averaged over 50 points per game.[29] After the coaching change, Pittsburgh embarked on a 12-game winning streak—the longest in franchise history—that included key victories over divisional rivals, such as a 48–34 home win against the Gladiators on May 31 to clinch their postseason spot.[30] Other notable triumphs featured a 57–56 road victory over the Philadelphia Soul on June 14, which mathematically ensured their playoff qualification, and a 59–56 thriller against the Iowa Barnstormers on July 19, extending their streak to 11 games at that point.[31][32] These performances highlighted the team's on-field dominance, with standout contributions from wide receivers like Shaun Kauleinamoku (124 receptions, 1,359 yards) and Prechae Rodriguez.[29] Off the field, the season saw renewed fan interest, with average home attendance rising to 6,370—up from 5,865 in 2013 and the highest in franchise history—reflecting growing excitement around the team's success at the Consol Energy Center.[4] This surge coincided with a significant ownership development in February 2014, when Trib Total Media acquired a multimillion-dollar stake in the franchise, joining primary owner Matt Shaner and NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann in the group and bolstering financial and promotional support.[3] The Power's momentum peaked in the playoffs, where they hosted the conference semifinals but fell to the Orlando Predators, 48–56, on August 3, ending their campaign one win shy of the ArenaBowl.[33]Disbandment and legacy
On November 17, 2014, Pittsburgh Power owner and CEO Matt Shaner announced that the franchise would cease operations after four seasons in the Arena Football League (AFL), despite the team's most successful year on the field with a 15–3 regular-season record and a playoff appearance.[34][35] No official reasons were provided for the decision, though speculation centered on financial challenges, including a reported 44% drop in average attendance from 9,197 fans per game in 2011 to around 5,000 in 2012 and a league-low 6,370 in 2014, as well as a $100,000 fine imposed by the AFL in October 2014 for salary cap violations related to improper player payments from the prior season.[10][36][34] In the immediate aftermath, all 2015 season ticket holders received full refunds, and the team's assets, including its lease at Consol Energy Center through 2016, were not pursued for revival by Shaner or other investors.[35] Players from the 2014 roster became unrestricted free agents or entered an AFL assignment draft, dispersing to other teams such as the Philadelphia Soul and Cleveland Gladiators, with no formal dispersal auction held for the franchise's remnants.[6] This folding occurred amid broader AFL contraction following the 2014 season, as the Milwaukee Iron also ceased operations and the San Antonio Talons relocated, reducing the league from 14 teams in 2014 to 13 in 2015.[6] The Pittsburgh Power left a modest legacy in the city's sports landscape, compiling an overall regular-season record of 33–39 across its tenure and briefly reviving interest in arena football through its black-and-gold branding that echoed the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins.[4] The franchise's collapse highlighted ongoing challenges for indoor football in Pittsburgh, yet it influenced subsequent efforts, such as the National Arena League's consideration of the city for expansion in 2021 due to its passionate fanbase.[9] Many former Power players continued their careers in the AFL or lower-tier indoor leagues before transitioning to coaching roles. As of 2025, the Pittsburgh Outlaws compete in developmental arena football leagues, continuing the city's involvement in the sport.[37]Franchise details
Home arena
The Pittsburgh Power played all of their home games at the Consol Energy Center, located at 1001 Fifth Avenue in the Uptown neighborhood of downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from the team's inception in 2011 through its final season in 2014.[38] Opened on August 18, 2010, at a construction cost of $321 million, the multi-purpose venue primarily serves as the home of the National Hockey League's Pittsburgh Penguins and hosts a variety of events including concerts and basketball games.[39] Unlike the previous Arena Football League franchise in Pittsburgh, the Gladiators, which operated out of the aging Civic Arena—a 1961 facility plagued by outdated infrastructure, mechanical disrepair, and eventual demolition in 2011—the Consol Energy Center provided a modern, state-of-the-art environment that supported professional sports operations effectively.[40] The arena's configuration for arena football involved converting the standard hockey rink into a specialized field measuring 85 feet wide by 50 yards long, complete with end-zone padding and dasher boards installed along the sidelines to meet league specifications.[41] This setup required collapsing certain lower-level seats to accommodate the goal posts, resulting in a reduced seating capacity of less than the 18,387 available in its hockey configuration.[41] Attendance at Power games averaged 6,648 fans per game overall, fluctuating in correlation with the team's on-field success, with higher turnouts during strong seasons and inaugural excitement.[4] Operational aspects of game days at the venue emphasized efficiency and fan engagement, with the hockey ice removed and the football field installed in advance to ensure seamless transitions between events.[42] Amenities included expansive concourses with diverse concessions, 66 luxury suites, 2,000 club seats, 12 escalators for accessibility, two 360-degree LED rings encircling the seating bowl, and over 800 high-definition televisions distributed throughout for enhanced viewing.[42] Following the Power's disbandment, the arena's naming rights were acquired by PPG Industries, and it was rebranded as PPG Paints Arena in October 2016.[39]Colors and branding
The Pittsburgh Power's primary colors were black, gold, and white, selected to align with the city's longstanding sports identity shared by teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins, fostering a sense of unity among local franchises.[12] This palette reflected Pittsburgh's industrial heritage while emphasizing the team's name through dynamic, high-energy visuals.[12] The team's logo, introduced in 2011 and used consistently through 2014, featured a stylized "P" intertwined with a jagged lightning bolt, symbolizing raw power and electricity to capture the essence of arena football's intensity.[43] Uniform designs incorporated black jerseys as the base, accented by gold trim and lightning bolt motifs on sleeves and helmets, creating a bold, electrified appearance that reinforced the branding across home and away games.[12] No significant logo evolutions occurred during the franchise's four seasons, maintaining a stable visual identity.[44] For fan engagement, the Power introduced "Watts," an anthropomorphic lightning bolt mascot dressed in team colors, who appeared at games and community events to promote the electricity-themed branding from 2011 to 2014.[12] Merchandise such as apparel and novelties heavily featured Watts alongside lightning motifs, extending the energetic theme into promotional materials. The overall branding strategy centered on motifs of power and electricity, differentiating the Power from prior Pittsburgh AFL teams like the Gladiators by tying into the city's "Steel City" vigor without overlapping historical symbols.[12]Ownership and management
Principal owners
The Pittsburgh Power was founded in 2010 by entrepreneur Matt Shaner, a businessman from the Shaner family known for real estate and hotel development through Shaner Investments, L.P., which he established in 2006.[45][46] As the primary owner and CEO, Shaner led the effort to revive professional arena football in Pittsburgh, securing an expansion franchise in the Arena Football League (AFL) after the city had been without a team since the Pittsburgh Gladiators folded in 1990.[3][34] His vision emphasized building a competitive organization from the ground up, including negotiating the team's lease at the newly opened CONSOL Energy Center, where the Power played all home games starting in 2011 under a multi-year agreement with the Pittsburgh Penguins' management.[47] Shaner assembled an initial ownership group that included his father, Lance Shaner, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann, a former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver who held a minority stake and brought significant name recognition to the franchise.[10][34] Swann's involvement extended to serving on the board of directors, providing guidance on branding and community engagement to leverage Pittsburgh's sports heritage.[3] By 2014, the ownership structure evolved with the addition of Trib Total Media, a major regional media company, which acquired a significant stake to deepen its promotional partnership with the team.[3][48] This move positioned Trib Total Media, led by President and CEO Ralph Martin, as a key co-owner, with Martin joining Shaner and Swann on the board to oversee operations and strategic decisions.[3][48] Shaner died on December 22, 2023. Under this ownership, the group focused on sustainable growth, including marketing initiatives and fan development at CONSOL Energy Center, though attendance and operational challenges ultimately prompted Shaner to announce the team's disbandment in November 2014 after four seasons.[5][34] The board's collaborative role in decision-making highlighted the blend of business acumen from Shaner and Martin with Swann's sports expertise, shaping the Power's brief but ambitious tenure in the AFL.[3]Head coaches
The Pittsburgh Power employed three head coaches during its four-year existence in the Arena Football League (AFL). The team's inaugural coach, Chris Siegfried, guided the expansion franchise through its first season before being relieved amid struggles in the second year. Subsequent hires reflected efforts to stabilize and revitalize the team, culminating in a dramatic turnaround under the final coach. Chris Siegfried (2011–2012) served as the Power's first head coach, hired on September 15, 2010, with a decade of AFL coaching experience, including stints as head coach of the Arkansas Twisters (2007–2009) and offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Sharks. He led the team to a 9–9 record in the 2011 debut season, establishing a competitive foundation in the Eastern Division despite missing the playoffs. In 2012, however, the Power started 2–8, prompting Siegfried's firing on May 21; his overall tenure yielded an 11–17 mark. Siegfried's approach emphasized offensive schemes drawn from his coordinator background, focusing on balanced play to build team cohesion in an expansion context. Derek Stingley (2012–2014), previously the Power's defensive coordinator since 2011 and a former head coach with the New Orleans VooDoo, assumed the role on an interim basis on May 21, 2012, with his tag removed on July 17. He guided the team to a 3–5 finish in the 2012 regular season, contributing to an overall 5–13 record that year. Stingley coached the full 2013 campaign, resulting in a 4–14 mark, and began 2014 with a 0–1 start before his dismissal on March 21. His cumulative record with the Power stood at 7–20, reflecting a defensive-oriented philosophy that prioritized physicality and turnover creation but struggled against high-scoring AFL offenses. Stingley's prior af2 success, including a 30–13 record with the South Georgia Wildcats and 2008 Coach of the Year honors, informed his emphasis on player development and unit cohesion. Ron James (2014) was appointed head coach on March 21, 2014, becoming the third in franchise history after serving as head coach for the Utah Blaze from 2008 to 2013, where his teams set multiple team records for passing and total yards. Taking over after a 4–14 season in 2013, James engineered the AFL's largest single-season turnaround, leading the Power to a 15–3 regular-season record and a playoff berth, though they fell 56–49 in the conference semifinals to the Cleveland Gladiators. His offensive-focused strategy, leveraging explosive passing attacks, marked a shift from prior defensive emphases and highlighted his 16 years of AFL coaching experience. Following the Power's disbandment, James continued his career as head coach for teams including the Portland Steel (2016), Tampa Bay Storm (2017), Atlantic City Blackjacks (2019), Philadelphia Soul (2020 revival attempt), and since 2021, the Northern Arizona Wranglers in the Indoor Football League (as of 2025), amassing a broader AFL record of 74–77.Players
All-Arena players
The All-Arena teams in the Arena Football League (AFL) were annually selected by a panel comprising head coaches, players, and media members to honor the league's elite performers at each position based on their statistical excellence and on-field impact.[49] During the Pittsburgh Power's tenure from 2011 to 2014, four players received these prestigious honors, reflecting standout contributions in kick returning, offensive line play, and kicking that bolstered the team's competitive edge, particularly in their record-setting 2014 campaign.[50] In 2012, wide receiver and return specialist P.J. Berry earned First Team All-Arena recognition as the league's premier kick returner, leveraging his speed and elusiveness to generate crucial field position advantages for the Power's offense.[51] Berry's dynamic returns, including multiple long gains that set up scoring opportunities, underscored his role in a season where the team sought to build momentum despite a challenging 5-13 record.[52] The Power's 2014 season produced the franchise's most decorated All-Arena class, with three selections amid a league-best 15-3 regular-season mark and a high-powered offense that scored 1,021 points.[50] Center Tony Narcisse secured First Team honors for anchoring an offensive line that enabled quarterback Tommy Grady to throw for over 4,700 yards and 115 touchdowns, protecting the pocket effectively against aggressive defenses.[53] On the Second Team, offensive lineman Colin Madison contributed to the unit's dominance by facilitating explosive plays, while kicker Julian Rauch converted 152 of 169 extra points and 24 of 35 field goals, providing reliable scoring in high-output games.[53] These awards highlighted the Power's emphasis on trench warfare and special teams precision, key factors in their Eastern Conference championship run.| Year | Player | Position | All-Arena Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | P.J. Berry | KR | First |
| 2014 | Tony Narcisse | C | First |
| 2014 | Colin Madison | OL | Second |
| 2014 | Julian Rauch | K | Second |
All-Ironman players
The All-Ironman Team is an annual Arena Football League honor recognizing players who demonstrate exceptional versatility by contributing meaningfully on both offense and defense, a hallmark of the league's format where teams operate with rosters of just 20 active players and demand multi-role performers to maintain competitive balance.[54] This award underscores the physical and strategic demands of arena football, where linemen often play both ways and skill players like wide receivers may double as defensive backs to cover the fast-paced, confined field.[54] P.J. Berry, a wide receiver and kick returner, was the sole Pittsburgh Power player selected to the All-Ironman Team in 2012.[54] That season, Berry exemplified the role by amassing 111 receptions for 1,282 yards and 18 touchdowns on offense, while logging defensive snaps that included 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, and 4 tackles (2 solo).[55] His special teams prowess further highlighted his ironman utility, leading the AFL with 112 kick returns for 2,047 yards and 2 touchdowns, often flipping field position to aid the Power's understaffed units in tight contests. No Power players earned the honor in the team's 2011, 2013, or 2014 seasons, reflecting the roster instability and performance dips in 2011 and 2013 (records of 9–9 and 4–14, respectively), though 2014 marked a turnaround with a 15–3 record. Berry's selection also overlapped with his First-Team All-Arena nod as a kick returner, illustrating how ironman versatility could amplify positional excellence in the AFL's demanding structure.[56]Final roster
The 2014 roster represented the Pittsburgh Power's final active year in the Arena Football League, comprising approximately 30 players across offensive, defensive, and special teams positions. This group achieved the franchise's best record of 15-3, driven by a potent passing attack led by quarterback Tommy Grady, who threw for 4,717 yards and 115 touchdowns. Wide receiver Shaun Kauleinamoku emerged as the top target with 124 receptions for 1,359 yards and 18 touchdowns, while defensive back Virgil Gray anchored the secondary with a league-leading 11 interceptions. The roster blended veterans with four or more years of AFL experience, such as Grady and Gray, alongside rookies like wide receiver Tyrone Goard, contributing to improved cohesion after an early-season coaching transition. The team's offensive lineup featured two quarterbacks, multiple versatile wide receivers and fullbacks, and a sturdy offensive line. Defensively, it emphasized speed and disruption with a mix of defensive backs, linemen, and linebackers. Special teams were handled by kicker Julian Rauch. Several players on the roster earned All-Arena honors that year, highlighting individual excellence amid team success.2014 Roster by Position
Offense
| Position | No. | Name | Ht. | Wt. | Exp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QB | 10 | Tommy Grady | 6-7 | 250 | 4 | Utah |
| QB | 7 | Arvell Nelson | 6-5 | 225 | 1 | Texas Southern |
| WR | 12 | Tyrone Goard | 6-4 | 205 | R | Eastern Kentucky |
| WR | 3 | Shaun Kauleinamoku | 5-10 | 185 | 3 | Western Oregon |
| WR | 15 | Prechae Rodriguez | 6-4 | 215 | 2 | Auburn |
| WR | 1 | Aaron Lesue | 5-10 | 200 | 4 | Utah State |
| WR | 17 | David Little | 6-3 | 190 | R | Midwestern State |
| WR | 5 | Doug Pierce | 6-5 | 215 | R | Friends (KS) |
| WR | 19 | Marcus Rivers | 6-3 | 220 | R | Buffalo |
| WR | 11 | Alvance Robinson | 5-9 | 175 | 4 | Alabama State |
| FB | 24 | Tommy Taggart | 6-3 | 295 | 4 | Oklahoma |
| FB | 99 | Justin Lawrence | 6-2 | 290 | 2 | Morgan State |
| OL | 70 | Colin Madison | 6-4 | 310 | 2 | Temple |
| OL | 78 | Travis Miller | 6-6 | 335 | 1 | North Dakota |
| OL | 68 | James Nelson | 6-7 | 340 | R | UTEP |
| OL | 57 | Jayson Palmgren | 6-3 | 300 | 2 | Missouri |
| OL | 75 | Jason Peacock | 6-4 | 320 | R | Arkansas |
Defense
| Position | No. | Name | Ht. | Wt. | Exp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DB | 6 | Brandon Freeman | 6-2 | 205 | 3 | Massachusetts |
| DB | 9 | Sergio Gilliam | 6-2 | 190 | 4 | Clemson |
| DB | 4 | Virgil Gray | 5-10 | 190 | 4 | Rhode Island |
| DB | 21 | Ricardo Kemp | 5-11 | 190 | 1 | Tennessee |
| DB | 33 | Dwayne Hollis | 5-10 | 180 | R | NC Wesleyan |
| DB | 13 | Latarrius Thomas | 6-1 | 210 | R | Eastern Michigan |
| DL | 52 | Anthony Hoke | 6-1 | 250 | 3 | Cincinnati |
| DL | 8 | Jake Killeen | 6-3 | 260 | 1 | Charleston Southern |
| DL | 91 | Marques Slocum | 6-5 | 350 | R | Michigan |
| DL | 90 | Roosevelt Holliday | 6-2 | 320 | R | Eastern Illinois |
| MLB | 2 | James Bryant | 6-4 | 275 | 2 | Miami (FL) |
| MLB | 93 | Curtis Young | 6-2 | 260 | 2 | Cincinnati |
Special Teams
| Position | No. | Name | Ht. | Wt. | Exp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K | 27 | Julian Rauch | 5-11 | 215 | 1 | Appalachian State |