Marvin Ross wins NAL Defensive Player of the Year
Marvin Ross has added another award to his trophy case, this time winning the 2021 NAL Defensive Player of the Year. The former AFL Rookie of the Year and three-time First Team All-NAL selection has been a shutdown corner for Lions on the way to the NAL Championship.
Ross has appeared in every game for the Lions this season, racking up 38 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, 10 pass breakups and a league-leading eight interceptions. His 10 pass breakups are fourth-most in the league and he is top-10 in tackles.
In his three seasons in the NAL, Ross has been one of the top cornerbacks in every single season. He has been top-3 in interceptions every season, but this is the first time he has led the entire league in the category.
Ross is currently on one of the best stretches of his career, with an interception in four consecutive games. For the Lions they will need Ross to continue his streak this Saturday when the Lions travel to Albany to take on the Empire in the 2021 NAL Championship.
The Empire have the 2021 NAL Offensive Player of the Year in wide receiver Darius Prince and Marvin Ross will likely be the primary defender on Prince throughout the game. Saturday’s game will feature not only the best quarterbacks in the league facing off, but also the league’s best offensive player and defensive player going one-on-one.
Kickoff for 2021 NAL Championship game is set for 7 p.m EST on August 14. The game can be watched live with CTV Beam, at https://www.nationalarenaleague.com/home or on the NAL’s official Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSzSD8STXiEVPVtUDO9juhA.
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.