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Former Seattle Dragons DL Anthony Johnson Signs With Jacksonville Sharks of NAL

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The National Arena League (NAL) must be ramping up their efforts as their making a lot of news this week. Just yesterday the league announced that the San Antonio Gunslingers would be the first expansion team for the NAL.

The news of expansion brought excitement to arena fans, but saddened many USFL fans hoping to see the franchise return in 2022 with the league.

Today’s news takes us further east to Jacksonville where the Sharks just announced that former Seattle Dragons defensive back Anthony Johnson has signed with the team.

After graduating from Florida International University, he was invited to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rookie minicamp. But, when he didn’t make the team, he was left to assess his career options. He wasn’t disappointed. He just had decisions to make.

Anthony Johnson was selected in the 13th round of the open phase of the XFL draft by the Seattle Dragons. When Anthony found out he had been picked, he was famously washing his car. Leading up the the XFL draft there were a lot of fans online hoping to see “The Gut” make it to the league.

During his time with the Dragons he was able to secure 9 tackles and a sack.

When the XFL was forced to suspend its season due to COVID it put a lot of players back on the market. Since then, we’ve seen a lot of them move on to new roles, but it’s always great to report on them when they come around.

The National Arena League is still young, but it seems that they’re making the right moves to stay afloat.

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You can read the full press release from the Jacksonville Sharks below:

XFL PASS RUSHER ANTHONY JOHNSON SIGNS WITH SHARKS

Camden County Star Comes to Jacksonville to Continue Career

JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville Sharks announced today the signing of Linebacker/Fullback Anthony Johnson who enters his rookie season of arena football with the Jacksonville Sharks.

Johnson (6’2, 260) spent the 2020 season in the XFL where he was a defensive lineman for the Seattle Dragons. During his time in the XFL he recorded nine tackles and a sack with the Dragons. Johnson spent his college career with Florida International University where he played in over 41 games for the Panthers creating a career total of 40 tackles, 6.5 for a loss, 3.5 sacks, and three pass breakups as a defensive lineman. During his senior season he was awarded All-Conference USA Honorable Mention and he helped FIU to a 9-4 record and a Makers Wanted Bahama Bowl Victory against Toledo.

Anthony Johnson is a native of Kingsland, GA and played for Camden County High School where he was the sack leader in both his junior & senior year. The 6A First Team All-Region star led Camden County to the regional championship as a senior and produced 12 sacks, 66 tackles, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries that season. He was also a two sport athlete at Camden County playing both football and Track & Field.

About the Jacksonville Sharks

The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the National Arena League (NAL). The 2019 & 2017 NAL Champions and ArenaBowl XXIV Champions play all their home games at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Sharks Nation Memberships for the 2022 season are now available. To become a Shark Nation member or for more information please call (904) 621-0700. Follow the Sharks on Facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter and Instagram @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumsharks.