Atlantic City AFL Announce Team's First Official Signing

Tuesday March 5, 2019

 AFL Veteran Quarterback Warren Smith First Player Assigned to New Franchise

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ- Atlantic City AFL (AC AFL) announce that New Jersey native and 2018 ArenaBowl Champion quarterback, Warren Smith, has been assigned to the team. Per League and team rules, terms are not disclosed. Atlantic City AFL will announce the team’s official name on Thursday, March 7 at Ovation Hall in the Ocean Resort Casino.

“We are excited to have a talented veteran quarterback like Warren Smith join our team as we build our inaugural roster in Atlantic City,” said Ron James, Head Coach of AC AFL. “Warren is a great example of the high caliber football players that are produced in New Jersey and we look forward to seeing him play in his home state for our great fans.”

“It truly is an honor to be the first player signed to the new Atlantic City Arena Football team and I’m extremely excited about the opportunity to play in my home state,” said Smith. “Not only do I get the opportunity to play in front of my family and friends, which is a dream come true, but I get to play for a first-class organization, with top notch Owners, Front Office and Coaches. I’m excited to lead this team and get to work on the football side of things with my teammates to put our team in the best situation to win and ultimately bring a championship to Atlantic City.”

Smith comes to AC AFL with three seasons of Arena Football experience under his belt. Originally from Forked River, New Jersey, Smith began his collegiate career as the starting quarterback for Iona College in 2008. After transferring to University of Maine, Smith won the starting position in his junior season. In his senior season, Smith led the Black Bears to an 8-3 regular season record and a NCAA Championship Playoffs berth. Though the team fell short in the second round, Smith was named Second Team All-Colonial Athletic Association.

The quarterback made his professional debut playing with the Dresden Monarchs of the German Football League in 2012 where he led the team in passing and was second in rushing on their way to a 10-0 record. The following season, Smith returned to the States where he joined the Richmond Raiders of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL). Smith led the team to the second-best record in the League and the championship game. After playing 2014 in the PIFL and winning League MVP, Smith made the transition to the Arena Football League (AFL), and was assigned to the Spokane Shock. He made his first career AFL start midway through the season, leading his team to victory while throwing six touchdowns.

After playing in the PIFL and AFL for two additional seasons, Smith landed in the National Arena League (NAL) with the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks. In his debut season, Smith earned MVP of the League and First Team All-NAL honors after throwing for 1,953 yards and 56 touchdowns in just 10 games. Smith jumped back to the AFL, briefly spending time with the Tampa Bay Storm and Baltimore Brigade, before finding a home with the Washington Valor in 2017. In 2018 with the Valor, Smith played nine games and threw for 10 touchdowns for 488 yards. The Valor went on to win ArenaBowl XXXI 69-55, defeating the Baltimore Brigade.

“I would love to get myself involved in the Atlantic City community,” said Smith. “Whether it is the local schools, hospitals, youth groups and athletic clubs as much as possible as well as the rest of the state of New Jersey. Together we are one!”

AC AFL’s inaugural campaign will begin on the road on Saturday, April 27th against the three-time League champions, Philadelphia Soul, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Kickoff time will be announced at a later date. AC AFL will play their first ever home game at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on Saturday, May 4 against the Columbus Destroyers. Witness history and get your tickets to the AC AFL home opener by calling 609-783-9494 or by visiting AtlanticCityAFL.com today!

Fans can secure their season tickets for the new Atlantic City Arena Football team now with a $50 deposit per seat ($75 for VIP seats) by calling 609-783-9494 or by going to AtlanticCityAFL.com. A team representative will contact those that have submitted a deposit within a week to select your specific seats, which will be done in order in which deposits were received.

About Atlantic City AFL
The Arena Football League’s newest franchise, Atlantic City AFL, will begin play in Spring 2018 at Boardwalk Hall. Season memberships for the inaugural 2019 season are on sale now. For tickets, contact the Atlantic City AFL sales department at (609) 783-9494 or by going to AtlanticCityAFL.com. Follow the team on Facebook at Facebook.com/AtlanticCityAFL, Twitter @ AC_AFL, and Instagram @AC_AFL.

About the Arena Football League
The Arena Football League enters its 32nd season in 2019. Since its inception in 1987, the AFL showcases a fast-paced, exciting game to millions of fans in a myriad of markets. With the addition of two new teams in Atlantic City, N.J., and Columbus, O.H., the League totals six teams for 2019: Albany, Atlantic City, Columbus, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. Each team will play 12 regular-season games in 2019. One can find the League can on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook using the handle @OfficialAFL.

About Spectra
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center are owned and funded by the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA). Spectra provides both Venue Management and Food Services & Hospitality to Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center. Spectra is an industry leader in hosting and entertainment, partnering with clients to create memorable experiences for millions of visitors every year. Spectra’s unmatched blend of integrated services delivers incremental value for clients through several primary areas of expertise: Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality, and Partnerships. Learn more at SpectraExperiences.com.