McNeil Returns To Tampa Bay

Thursday January 19, 2017

 torm acquires veteran center Raymond McNeil; Adds wide receiver Justin Hilton

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Storm is pleased to announce that seven-year veteran center Raymond McNeil has returned to the Storm.

“Raymond is one of the top centers in the League,” said Storm vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch. “He adds consistency and stability to our offensive line. He has seven years of experience which will be a tremendous asset both on and off the field.”

McNeil (6-foot-2, 315 lbs., Fort Valley State) returns to the Storm after spending the previous two seasons with the Jacksonville Sharks. During his tenure with the Sharks, McNeil helped anchor one of the best offensive lines in the Arena Football League. In two seasons, the team allowed just 18 total sacks, including a League-low of eight in 2015, the season the team appeared in ArenaBowl XXVIII.

“I’m happy to be back with the Storm,” said McNeil. “I’ve planted roots here in Tampa and I’m looking forward to giving back to not just the fans in the stands, but also the community as a whole.”

McNeil’s first stint with the Storm was during the 2014 season, starting at center in all 18 games played.

The seven-year veteran began his AFL career in 2010 as a member of the Milwaukee Iron. He would go on to spend time with the Utah Blaze, Spokane Shock and San Jose SaberCats. A model of consistency, McNeil has started in 109-of-113 career games.

Prior to joining the AFL, McNeil was a premier center in af2 earning All-af2 honors in 2008 and 2009 with the Milwaukee Mustangs.

The team also acquired wide receiver Justin Hilton.

Hilton (6-foot-2, 195 lbs., Indiana State) joins the Storm for his third season in the AFL. The Kissimmee native began his AFL career with the Storm in 2013. He would spend parts of the 2014 season with the Storm and a part of the 2015 season with the Orlando Predators.

For his career, Hilton’s reeled in 45 catches for 694 yards and 15 touchdowns.

The third-year veteran began his professional career with the Cincinnati Bengals (NFL) having signed with the team in 2012 as an undrafted rookie free agent. He spent part of the 2013 season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL).

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm will enter its 30th season in the Arena Football League in 2017. For more specific details regarding single-game pricing and availability, please contact the Storm ticket office at 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting TampaBayStorm.com or by calling 813.301.6600. For group sales, fans can contact 813.301.6900. Additionally, fans and sponsors can