DB Marvin Johnson is First to Sign on for 2013 Season

Bethlehem, PA:  After having recently announced that they are the newest members of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL), the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks are excited to announce the first players to have signed a contract for the 2013 season. The Valley’s resident Oregon Duck, DB Marvin Johnson, has officially signed his contract to be a Steelhawk again this season.

Johnson played on the Oregon teams that went to the Rose Bowl in 2010 and the BCS National Championship in 2011. He won the Duck’s Wilson Award for most outstanding special team’s player. Last season Johnson was the Steelhawks leader on defense, playing in all 15 games of the 2012 season. He tallied 100 tackles (6^th best in the IFL), 2 sacks, 7 interceptions (tied for 5^th), 3 forced fumbles (tied for 3^rd), and 7 pass break ups (tied for 6^th). Johnson was a force on the field from the start, as he was named IFL Player of the Week after his first professional game, recording 6 tackles, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery for a touchdown in that game. At the end of his outstanding rookie season, he was named to the Second Team All-IFL Team.

Also returning from last years squad is RB James Mallory, who joined the team at the end of the year for their lone playoff game. Mallory played his college ball at Central Connecticut State University where he led them to a NEC championship and was named NEC Offensive Player of the year. The All-American had career rushing stats of 3,245 yds and 34 touchdowns. He was invited to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2010 all rookie camp, but left unsigned.

Head Coach Chris Thompson on getting these two Steelhawk veterans back, "Getting Marvin and James back are two very critical pieces to our success in 2013 and we couldn't be more thrilled that they have decided to come back and play for the black and gold. We are off to a great start with signing these guys and are expecting big things from them when our season kicks off again in late February."

The Steelhawks will be holding their first open team tryouts as members of the PIFL on November 17^that Iron Lakes Sports Complex. The team is hard at work recruiting for the 2013 season.  For further information please call Lehigh Valley Steelhawks Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Clark at (610) 282-3100, or visit our website at www.LVSteelhawks.com for the latest Steelhawks news!

Fans are reminded that 2013 season ticket deposits are being accepted now to reserve your seats for the 2013 PIFL season. You can reserve your seats by calling the Steelhawks front office at 610-282-3100.  Ticket packages start as low as $48!