Marvin Ross Returns To Columbus

Following a bit of a break from signings during the 2020 offseason, the Columbus Lions are back making major additions to their roster in preparation for the 2021 season. The Lions have signed another familiar face in defensive back Marvin Ross out of Florida A&M. Ross has been all around professional football as a member of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL), Arena Football League (AFL), Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Arena League (NAL).
Ross got his start in football at Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville and he was awarded second-team all-conference during his senior season before graduating and attending Florida A&M. In his four seasons as a Rattler, the 5’11 187 pound defensive back had 113 total tackles along with 14 pass breakups.
Ross’ career in arena football began following graduation when he signed with the Columbus Lions, then members of the PIFL. Ross joined the Lions in 2013 and was with the team for three seasons, including the year the Lions won the 2015 PIFL Cup. Following a good start to his career with the Lions, Ross moved on to the AFL and that is when his career really took off.
In 2016, Ross signed with the Cleveland Gladiators of the AFL and quickly made an impact. In his first season in the AFL, Ross had 84 tackles, 24 pass breakups and six interceptions on his way to being named 2016 AFL Rookie of the Year. Following that breakout season, Ross decided to return home and signed with the Jacksonville Sharks of the NAL before the 2017 season. Ross played in six games that year for the Sharks and was selected for First-Team All-NAL and the Sharks won the NAL championship.
Following the short stint with the Sharks, Ross was on the move again, joining the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL in 2017. After appearing in two games for the Stampeders, Ross was released. He decided to rejoin the Sharks in 2018 and was once again a First-Team All-NAL selection after having 47 tackles and 19 pass breakups.
In 2019, Ross returned to the AFL with the Atlantic City Blackjacks, a new expansion team. In what would be the league’s final year, Ross brought consistent play to the Blackjacks with 41 tackles, 12 pass breakups and four interceptions.
Now in 2020, Ross is making his return to the place where it all began. The seven year veteran is returning to Columbus to play for the Lions once again.
“It's great to have Marvin back in Columbus where he started,” said Head Coach Jason Gibson. “He has established himself as one of the premiere players in all of arena football.”
Ross, no longer a rookie out of Florida A&M, is returning with an incredible amount of experience in Arena Football. The defensive back has had success in nearly every league he has been a part of, particularly the NAL, and the Lions are hoping he can continue that in 2021.
ABOUT THE COLUMBUS LIONS
The Columbus Lions are members of the National Arena League (NAL). Founded in 2007, the Columbus Lions are starting their 15th season in 2021. The Lions are a 3x league champion and 13 playoff appearances in their rich history. The Lions play their home games at Hughston Field in the Columbus Civic Center. Lions Season Ticket Memberships are on sale now call (706) 322-3336 or visit columbuslions.com. Follow the Lions on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Lionsfootball/, twitter @columbuslions and instagram.com/Columbuslions.
ABOUT NATIONAL ARENA LEAGUE
The National Arena League was founded in 2016 and hosted its inaugural season in 2017 as the premier league in arena football. The National Arena League will kick off its fifth season in 2021. For more information regarding expansion opportunities or partnerships, contact Commissioner Chris Siegfried at chris@nationalarenaleague.com For more information about the NAL visit www.nationalarenaleague.com, facebook.com/nationalarenaleauge, twitter.com/NALfootball, Instagram.com/nationalarenaleague