News
March 26, 2018Albany Empire Add Two All-Arena DB’s to Roster
Empire Defensive Stockpiled With Elite AFL Talent
The Albany Empire announce that two additional all-arena level players have been assigned to the team roster on the fifth day of free agency. Per League and team rules, terms are not disclosed. The free agency signing period for the Arena Football League began at 7 a.m. on Monday March 19.
“Having players who have AFL experience is crucial to having a successful season,” said Rob Keefe, Head Coach of the Albany Empire. “We continue to add talented veteran pieces to the team and expect these players to act as coaches on the field for some of the younger, inexperienced guys on the team.”
Marrio Norman, Defensive Back
Deepening the defensive backfield, The Empire signed AFL veteran Marrio Norman. Attending Coastal Carolina University, Norman was named both All-American and All-Conference Honors. After graduating college, Norman got his first crack at professional football playing with the West Texas Roughnecks. After spending the following year in Georgia, he was assigned with the Cleveland Gladiators where he played two seasons and was named to the first team All-Arena. In 2015, he was signed to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad midway through the season. After a year in the CFL in 2016, Norman spent last season playing on the Cleveland Gladiators. He saw the players that The Empire had signed at the defensive line position and was enticed to bring his talents to the Capital Region.
Josh Victorian, Defensive Back
Josh Victorian comes to the Empire with seven years of professional football experience, four of which in the Arena Football League. Coming out of Louisiana Tech, Victorian signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2011. After being released, Victorian spent some time on the New England Patriots’ practice squad. In 2012, he was signed and released by the New Orleans Saints, before making his AFL debut with the New Orleans Voodoo. Over the following two years, Victorian signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, Detroit Lions and New York Giants. Victorian made his way back to the AFL, playing 2015 and 2016 with the Los Angeles Kiss. He spent last season with the Baltimore Brigade where he earned second team all arena honors.
Don’t miss your opportunity to witness history as Arena Football returns to Albany! Fans can secure their single game tickets for the Albany Empire’s inaugural game at TheAlbanyEmpire.com. Also available are 2018 season and single game tickets, flex packs, group outings and inaugural game family 4 packs at 518-533-2200 or at www.TheAlbanyEmpire.com!
Albany Empire 2018 Inaugural Season Presented By CDPHP.
