Metz Returns to the Soul

Tuesday May 15, 2018

 Former Soul defensive standout & Pennsylvania native joins the 2018 roster

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Philadelphia Soul announced the return of DL Jake Metz (6’6, 275). The Souderton Area High School graduate played a key defensive role for the Soul in the 2015 and 2016 seasons and helped the Soul to an ArenaBowl Championship in 2016.

In just two seasons with the Soul, Metz tallied 45 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, three pass break-ups, two forced fumbles and a quarterback hurry. He led the league in sacks for the 2016 season with eight and was awarded Defensive Lineman of the Year and First Team All-Arena honors for his performance.

“The addition of Jake gives us another All Arena weapon to our pass rush,” said Soul General Manager and Assistant Head Coach Phil Bogle. “Jake is a natural leader on and off the field and we are happy he is home.”

It was during his time at the Soul that Metz caught the eyes of multiple NFL teams. Metz was one of four 2016 Soul players to receive an invitation to workout with an NFL team. The Pennsylvania native was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles and participated in their final preseason game in 2016. Then in 2017, after a stint in the China Arena Football League playing linebacker for the Qingdao Clipper, Metz was presented with another NFL opportunity when he signed with the Buffalo Bills. Metz participated in four pre-season games with the Bills and tallied seven tackles.

Metz recently completed his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Shippensburg University (SU) and was a standout defensive end on the SU football team. Metz finished his SU career as the all-time sacks leader with 30.5 and all-time career tackles-for-loss leader with 55. He also broke the school’s single-season record for sacks in 2012 with 11.5.

The Soul are home in Week 6 this Saturday, May 19th at the Wells Fargo Center and are going for 21 straight home game wins. The Soul will face the Albany Empire on their first appearance in Philadelphia and kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m.

ABOUT PHILADELPHIA SOUL

The back-to-back World Champion Philadelphia Soul are now playing in their 13th season in the Arena Football League. In the previous 12 seasons, the Soul have won four Division Championships, four Conference Championships and three World Championships. Since the inaugural season in 2004, the Soul are the winningest professional sports team in Philadelphia. Season memberships and Group tickets for the Soul’s 2018 season are on sale now. For tickets, contact the Soul sales department at (215) 253-4900 ext. 3, or request contact from a Soul representative by filling out the form on www.philadelphiasoul.com. Additionally, fans and sponsors can follow the Soul on Facebook (Philadelphia Soul), Twitter (@soulfootball) and Instagram (@philadelphia_soul) for up to date news and exclusive content.