The Panthers are bringing back one of the anchors of a championship defense with the re-signing of defensive lineman Tevaughn Grant.

"Tevaughn is a relentless pass rusher with a high motor and a desire to cause havoc," said Head Coach Rob Keefe.  "We are pumped to see him attack each day with his great effort and energy and continue to be an essential leader on our defense."

As a rookie out of Wagner, Grant led the team's linemen in tackles with 52.5 along with 14.5 tackles for loss and 7 sacks.  His standout year led to being named to the All-IFL Second Team Defense with the belief that he's only scratched the surface.

"Looking back at it now, I think I left a lot on the table," said Grant.  "I know there's just so much more to grow and be much more dominant in the league.

 "I was on the second team and not first.  I wasn't the league sack leader.  This year I want to be Defensive Player of the Year and lead the team to another championship.   It all starts with the team and all the guys buying in like we did and just grinding every step of the way."

Following COVID, Grant had a stint in Canada with Edmonton he believes prepped him for the IFL.

"Being a yard off the ball prepared me even more for the IFL," said Grant.  "Those guys on the offensive line already had a head start with the defensive line being a yard off the ball.  So get off was a focal point with no wasted movements on how I was to get to the quarterback."

With the IFL structure of one-year contracts, roster fluidity is a nature of the sport.  Being able to retain a player of Grant's stature is a major coup.

"With all the great they said they were bringing back and all the elements they were going to add to the team, I just think it's a great fit," said Grant.  "It's a good system already and I want to help it be that much better."

Grant has fond memories of the championship run,  especially the first playoff game at the SAP Center against Tucson.  The franchise had turned the corner after going 1-15 in 2022 and the Panthers won 46-34.  Grant started the scoring with a 36-yard fumble recovery for a score to derail the Sugar Skulls first possession. 

"That was a special time because I remember every single one of the guys being so locked in and it was always bigger than all of us.  Collectively we came together.  Whether it was being together watching film, staying after practice or making sure guys were doing the right things, we were in it together." 
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Bay Area Panthers 2024 Home Schedule
 
Sunday, March 31, 3:05 p.m. v. Arizona
Saturday, April 20, 6:05 p.m. v. San Diego
Saturday, May 4, 6:05 p.m. v. Vegas
Saturday, May 25, 6:05 p.m. v. San Antonio
Saturday, June 8, 6:05 p.m.  v. Tucson
Sunday, June 16, 3:05 p.m. v. San Diego
Sunday, July 7, 3:05 p.m. v. Northern Arizona
Saturday, July 13, 6:05 p.m. v. Duke City
 
For 2024 season tickets to watch the defending IFL Champions click HERE