JACKSONVILLE –  The Jacksonville Sharks announced today that defensive back Marvin Ross has signed with Jacksonville for the upcoming 2017 season.


Marvin Ross (5’11”, 180) will enter his first season with the Jacksonville Sharks and his fifth playing arena football. The defensive back returns to his hometown after a successful 2016 season playing with the Cleveland Gladiators. During his AFL rookie year with the Gladiators, Ross tallied 84 tackles, 24 pass-breakups, six interceptions and two forced fumbles. Ross became the first Cleveland Gladiator to be awarded the AFL’s GEICO Rookie of the Year, he was also named Week Four Player of the Week award.


Prior to his time in Cleveland, Ross played for the Columbus Lions for the 2013-2015 seasons. In a defeat over the Erie Explosion, Ross made a fumble recovery resulting in a 45 yard TD run. In the same game, Ross picked off an Explosion pass and returned it 28 yards for his second score of the game. The Columbus Lion star, will have the opportunity to play against his former team this March 17th at the Columbus Civic Center in Georgia.


Ross spent his college career at Florida A&M University where he collected a total of 113 tackles, 14 pass breakups, four interceptions and two forced fumbles. The A&M Rattler saw action in all 11 games during his senior year. As a junior, he collected 29 tackles and three pass breakups. The same year he recorded a season high of nine tackles in a 17-13 victory over Norfolk State. During his sophomore year he tallied 12 tackles and two pass break-ups in nine games.


Ross, a native to Jacksonville, attended Trinity Christian Academy where he excelled in football, track and basketball. During his time with Trinity Christian, he tallied 56 tackles and three interceptions in his senior season, earning Second Team All-Conference Honors.



About the Jacksonville Sharks


The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the National Arena League (NAL). The ArenaBowl XXIV and four-time South Division Champions are presented by Sea Best Seafood and play all home games on Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Sharks Nation Memberships for the 2017 season are now available. Shark Nation Memberships start as low as $99. 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 @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumsharks.