KURTISS RIGGS (Head Coach, Sioux Falls Storm)

Coach Riggs is one of the IFL’s most successful head coaches ever. Under his leadership, the Storm won 11 League Championships, including consecutive titles from 2005-2008 and 2011-2016 seasons. With Coach Riggs at the helm, the Storm achieved the longest winning streak of any professional sports team with 40 consecutive wins and compiled a career record of 268-67. During his tenure with the team, Riggs was named Coach of the Year four times – 2004 of the National Indoor Football League (NIFL), consecutively, in 2006-2007 of the United Indoor Football (UIF) and in 2015 of the Indoor Football League (IFL). In addition, Kurtiss led the Storm to four undefeated season including back-to-back undefeated seasons in 2006 & 2007, 2012 & 2015.

JOHN PETTIT (Owner, Iowa Barnstormers)

Pettit's accomplishments, successes, and accolades are quite extensive. Pettit was a key figure in helping Barnstormers’ owner Jeff Lamberti bring the Arena Football League team back to Des Moines in 2008, and then later into the IFL. Pettit worked within many leagues as an executive and was named the IFL's Executive of the Year in 2018. Prior to that he was named the Arena Football League's Executive of the Year in 2012 with the Barnstormers. Pettit had more than 30 years of executive level management experience in pro sports, having previously worked for championship teams in both the NHL and AHL, including the Detroit Red Wings and Hartford Wolfpack. Along the way he also played key roles with other former AFL franchises, the Detroit Drive and the Connecticut SeaWolves. Pettit passed away in December 2020.

HERON O’NEAL (Head Coach, Billings Outlaws, Colorado Ice)

O’Neal won the first inaugural IFL United Bowl in 2009. He followed that up with another in 2010. During his time in the IFL, he won two United Bowls and one Coach of the Year award with the Colorado Ice in 2014. He boasts a career record of 128-58.

O’Neal also won a championship in 2006 with Billings while part of the NIFL. He is currently coaching for the Salina Liberty in the CIF where he won the 2019 coach of the year.

FRED JACKSON (RB, Sioux City Bandits)

Jackson, a once-in-a-generation player, played in the UIF/IFL for the Sioux City Bandits in 2005 before going on to having an outstanding NFL career. During his 2005 campaign, Jackson was named the 2005 league MVP while helping get the Bandits to the first ever United Bowl. During that 18-game season, he rushed for 1,770 yards while scoring 53 touchdowns, records that both still stand today. Jackson would go on to join the NFL’s Buffalo Bills where he led the Bills in yards rushing during four of his eight seasons in Buffalo. He still ranks third on the team list with 5,646 yards rushing and 15 100-yard games, and fourth with 30 touchdowns rushing.

BRYAN PRAY (WR, West Michigan Thunderhawks, La Crosse Spartans, Green Bay Blizzard, Cedar Rapids Titans, Spokane Empire, Iowa Barnstormers)

The most productive wide receiver in IFL history, Bryan Pray was one of the most dynamic players in IFL history. During his eight-year IFL career, Pray caught 407 passes for 5,613 yards and 118 touchdowns. His 5,613 receiving yards are the most in IFL history, while his 407 receptions and 118 touchdowns both rank second in IFL history.

Joining the IFL in 2010, Pray made an immediate impact as a member of the West Michigan Thunderhawks. In his rookie campaign, Pray caught 15 touchdowns and had 704 receiving yards. In 2012, as a member of the Green Bay Blizzard, he would appear in his first of four United Conference Championship appearances. The following season, Pray joined the Cedar Rapids Titans where he would play the next three years and help the Titans advance to the United Conference championship each season. Upon his retirement at the end of the 2017 season, the three-time All-IFL selection was the IFL's all-time leader in all-purpose yards with 6,751.

Myniya Smith (OL, Billings Outlaws, Sioux Falls Storm)

One of the most dominant and accomplished offensive linemen in IFL history, Myniya Smith spent eight seasons in the IFL and was an eight-time United Bowl champion (2009-2016). After playing with the New York Giants in 2007, Smith joined the Billings Outlaws in 2009 and quickly helped the team win the IFL's inaugural United Bowl. Following the 2010 season, Smith joined the Sioux Falls Storm and proceeded to help the Storm win six consecutive United Bowl championships. Smith, along with IFL Hall of Fame Offensive Lineman Charlie Sanders, helped anchor the Storm's explosive offense that ranked first in the IFL in almost every major offensive category. Smith was named as a First Team All-IFL selection six times in his storied career.

Javicz Jones (LB, Texas Revolution/ Iowa Barnstormers)

Joining the IFL after a collegiate career at Mary Hardin-Baylor, LB Javicz Jones quickly became an impact player on the defensive side of the ball. Jones joined the IFL as a member of the Texas Revolution in 2014 where he totaled 109 tackles in his rookie campaign. Jones would go on to join the Iowa Barnstormers in 2015 where he was a standout performer, leader and captain of the Barnstormers. Jones helped form the Barnstormers into one of the most formidable defenses in the IFL. Jones was named as the IFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 where he led the IFL with 148 tackles and also had two sacks, two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and three interceptions, His stellar play that season helped the Barnstormers return to the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons. In his four-year IFL career, Jones totaled 455 tackles, which ranks third in IFL history and was a three-time All-IFL selection.

CHARLIE SANDERS (OL, BILLINGS, SIOUX FALLS STORM)

One of the most dominant and accomplished offensive linemen in IFL history, Sanders spent seven seasons in the IFL and was a seven time United Bowl champion (2010-2016). Prior to joining the Billings Outlaws in 2010, Sanders came from a winning pedigree where he helped Valdosta State University win the 2007 NCAA Division II National Championship. As a rookie in with the Outlaws, Sanders quickly became a starter and helped Billings win the 2010 United Bowl championship. In 2011, Sanders joined the Sioux Falls Storm and proceeded to help the Storm win six consecutive United Bowl championships. In his first season with the Storm, Sanders was named a First-Team All-IFL Offensive Lineman, a recognition he held every season for the rest of his career. A stalwart along the offensive line, Sanders helped the Storm rank first in almost every major offensive category during his career.

JAMEEL SEWELL (QB, GREEN BAY, NEBRASKA)

A two-time IFL MVP, Jameel Seweel was one of the most dynamic offensive players in IFL history during his six year IFL career. A former starting quarterback at the University of Virginia, Jameel Sewell began his IFL career in 2011 as a member of the Green Bay Blizzard. During his time with the Blizzard, Seweel showed glimpses of his playmaking ability to come after he passed for 12 touchdowns and rushed for six in limited playing time. In 2012, Sewell joined the Nebraska Danger where he would flourish and lead the team to three consecutive United Bowl championships (2013-2015). In 2013, after leading the IFL in passing yards (2,531) and rushing yards (654), Sewell was named the IFL MVP. Sewell was again named IFL MVP in 2015 after leading the Danger to the United Bowl championship again. A dual threat QB, Sewell was twice named as a First-Team All-IFL selection and ranks third all-time in IFL history in rushing touchdowns (88), fifth in rushing yards (2,157) and sixth in passing touchdowns (151).

PIG BROWN (LB, RIVER CITY)

An All-Conference performer at the University of Missouri, Pig Brown began his professional career with a brief stint with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs before joining the IFL’s River City Rage in 2009. Brown would go on to join the Nebraska Danger in 2012 where he was a standout performer and leader for the Nebraska Danger teams that won three straight Intense Conference Championships (2013-2015).Upon his retirement at the conclusion of the 2015 IFL season, Brown ranks second in IFL history with 540 tackles. He also registered 18.5 sacks and 15 interceptions during his career. He was an All-IFL selection in 2014. Brown was named to the Nebraska Danger Hall of Fame in 2016. He has since made a successful transition into coaching, havig served as a head coach and an assistant coach in the league.

JAMES TERRY (WR, SIOUX FALLS STORM)

Terry was a standout contributor at Kansas State University, earning AP Honorable Mention All-American and helping the Wildcats secure a spot in the 2004 Fiesta Bowl. He began his professional career with brief stints with the San Diego Chargers of the NFL and Calgary Stampeders of the CFL before finding a home with the Storm in 2006. One of the most dynamic offensive players in IFL history, Terry spent ten seasons in Sioux Falls. He is an eight-time United Bowl Champion (2006-2008 UIF, 2011-2015 IFL) and a three-time All-League Selection. He ranks 1st in Storm history in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He ranks 1st in IFL history in career receptions (452) and all-purpose yards (6,472) and 4th in receiving yards (4,645). Terry’s biggest impact came when it mattered most; the postseason. He holds IFL postseason records in career receptions (83), yards (937), and touchdowns (21). He was named Co-MVP of the 2014 United Bowl.

ROBERT FULLER (HEAD COACH, OMAHA, FAIRBANKS, GREEN BAY, BEMIDJI)

Robert Fuller is the first coach to be selected for the IFL Hall of Fame. Highly regarded both on and off the field, Fuller gained the reputation as one of the most respected coaches in IFL history. His tenure in the IFL included coaching duties with the Omaha Beef, Fairbanks Grizzlies, Green Bay Blizzard, and Bemidji Axemen. In IFL play, Fuller’s teams accumulate a combined 27-21 record during the regular season (1-2 in postseason play). In consecutive seasons, 2011 with Fairbanks and 2012 with Green Bay, Fuller was named IFL Coach of the Year and received the league’s Adam Pringle Award (equivalent to the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award). He is only individual to receive these awards more than once. Fuller’s most successful season came in 2012 with the Blizzard. He guided the team to an 11-3 regular season record and an appearance in the United Conference Championship Game. That season, Fuller coached fellow Hall of Famer RB LaRon Council to the most prolific rushing season in IFL history. Council set IFL single season records in rushing attempts (256), rushing yards (1,040), and rushing touchdowns (32). IFL Hall of Famer B.J. Hill was also a member of the 2012 Blizzard team.

CORY JOHNSEN (DL, SIOUX FALLS STORM)

An All-Conference performer at St. Cloud State University, Johnsen began his indoor football career with the Sioux Falls Storm in 2006. He would spend the next ten seasons anchoring the defensive line of vaunted “Thunder Defense”. Johnsen was a three-time All-League Selection (2008, 2009, 2015) and was a member of eight United Bowl Championship teams (2006-2008 UIF, 2011-2015 IFL). He is the Storm’s career leader with 64.5 sacks. He ranks 5th all-time in IFL history with 29 sacks. In 2008, Johnsen founded “Sacks for Cash”, a charitable foundation that uses the Storm platform to raise money for local non-profit and charitable organizations in the Sioux Falls community.

MARK BLACKBURN (LB, SIOUX FALLS STORM)

A Los Angeles native, Mark Blackburn was first introduced to Sioux Falls when he was an All-Conference performer at the University of South Dakota. Upon graduation, Blackburn joined the Sioux Falls Storm, completing one of the most illustrious careers in the history of indoor football. A team captain and four-time All-League selection, Blackburn was a key figure in the team winning 40-straight games and four-straight United Bowl Championships (2005-2008). He was named United Bowl MVP in 2008. Blackburn is the franchise’s all-time leader in tackles (664) and forced fumbles (10), ranks fifth in sacks (28.5), and third in interceptions (17). His #14 jersey is retired by the Storm.

Blackburn still calls Sioux Falls home. He currently serves as the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Augustana University.

LIONELL SINGLETON (DB, TRI-CITIES FEVER)

An All-Conference performer at Florida International University, Singleton is one of the most decorated defensive backs in IFL history. During his five-year IFL career, Singleton was named to three All-IFL teams (First Team in 2012, 2013 and Second Team in 2014). He was an instrumental player on the Fever’s back-to-back Intense Conference Championship teams in 2011 and 2012. Singleton finished his IFL career with 395 tackles, 52 pass breakups, and 6 defensive touchdowns. He set IFL records with 31 career interceptions (T-1st) and career interception return yards with 454 (1st). Singleton continues to do great work in and around the Kennewick community. He founded the Afterschool Matters Program at Eastgate and Jefferson Elementary. He was named the Kennewick School District Outstanding Partner of the Year in 2012. In 2013, he received the IFL’s Adam Pringle Award (equivalent to the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year).

TOM WIGLEY (OWNER, COLORADO ICE/CRUSH)

Tom Wigley purchased the Colorado Ice during the 2010 IFL season. Under his guidance, the team quickly transformed from a struggling franchise to one of the more stable and compet-itive teams in the IFL. The Ice qualified for the postseason in four consecutive seasons from 2011-2014, earning the #1 seed in the Intense Conference playoffs during the 2011 and 2014 seasons. Two players earned IFL awards during his tenure (David Knighton, Most Improved 2011, Willie Copeland, MVP 2014), and 14 players have been named All-League.

During the 2015 offseason, Wigley led the rebranding process for the team, changing the team name from the Ice to the Crush; a highly recognizable name in the Northern Colorado sports community.

CHRIS DIXON (QB, BILLINGS OUTLAWS, SIOUX FALLS STORM)

A standout at Humboldt State University, Dixon began his indoor career in 2005. Widely con-sidered the greatest player in Indoor Football League history, Dixon is a five-time United Bowl Champion. During the IFL’s inaugural 2009 season, Dixon guided the Billings Outlaws to the first ever IFL United Bowl Championship. With Dixon again at the helm, the team repeated as champions during the 2010 season.

Prior to the beginning of the 2011 season, Dixon signed with the Sioux Falls Storm. Dixon spent three seasons with the Storm (2011-2012, 2014), compiling a 40-2 regular season record and three additional United Bowl Championships. Dixon still holds dozens of different regular season and postseason IFL records, including career completion percentage (68.6%), career passing yards (12,963), and career passing TDs (323). In addition to five IFL championships, Dixon is a three-time League MVP, four-time United Bowl MVP, four-time Offensive Player of the Year, and five-time All-IFL team selection. After retirement following the 2014 IFL season, Dixon was named the Head Coach of the Billings Wolves.

LARON COUNCIL (RB, LA CROSSE, GREEN BAY, CEDAR RAPIDS)

An All-American at Northwest Missouri State University, Council’s Indoor Football League career began in 2011 with the La Crosse Spartans. In his rookie campaign, Council set team records with 177 attempts for 640 yards and 13 TDs. The following season, as a member of the Green Bay Blizzard, proved to be Council’s most successful as a pro. Council set multiple single season IFL rushing records, including; attempts (256), yards (1,040), and touchdowns (32). He led the Blizzard to an 11-3 regular season record and appearance in the 2012 United Conference Championship Game.

The final two years of Council amazing career were spent with the Cedar Rapids Titans. During the 2013 and 2014 IFL seasons Council rushed for 1,307 yards and 37 TDs. His efforts helped propel the team back-to-back playoff appear-ance (the first ever postseason berths for the Titans). During his four-year career, Council was a three-time First Team All-IFL selection. He is the All-Time IFL Leading Rusher with 2,987 yards and ranks third all-time with 81 rushing TDs.

B.J HILL (KR, GREEN BAY BLIZZARD)

An All-Conference performer at Ball State University, Hill is one of the most decorated players in IFL history. A versatile athlete, Hill contributed in all three phases of the game, however, he truly made his mark as a defensive back and in the return game. Hill spent his entire four-year IFL career with the Green Bay Blizzard. During that time, he was named to five All-IFL Teams. During the 2012 season he was the first player in IFL history to earn two spots on the All-League team in the same year (at the defensive back and kick returner positions). Hill finished his career holding three different IFL return records; career kick return yards (3,412), kick return TDs (13), and season kick return average (23.2 during the 2012 season). In total he registered 253 tackles and 20 INTs. And finally, Hill is a two-time IFL Special Teams Player of the Year (2011, 2013).

TERRANCE BRYANT (QB, SIOUX FALLS STORM)

A standout at Oregon State University, Bryant’s illustrious 7-year career with the Sioux Falls Storm began in 2005. During his career, Bryant led the Storm to five United Bowl Champi-onships (2005-2008, 2013). He was named United Bowl MVP twice (2006, 2013). Bryant was also an All-League Selection in the UIF during the 2006, 2007, and 2008 seasons and was named League MVP in 2006. For his career, Bryant passed for 15,011 yards and 280 TDs.

After an initial retirement following the 2010 IFL Season, Bryant returned to the Storm in the early stages of 2013 to lead the team one final time. Bryant’s leadership proved invaluable as he guided the Storm to their 7th United Bowl Championship. Bryant received a true champions exit, winning a title in front of the home fans and earning game MVP in the process.

RICH ROSTE (RADIO VOICE OF SIOUX FALLS STORM)

From the inception of the Sioux Falls Storm to 2021, Rich “The Silver Fox" Roste was the voice of the team. Roste quickly became synonymous with Storm. Whenever he was on the mic, you would be sure to hear his signature line, "Holy Help Me Hannah!" Roste was named the UIF Broadcaster of the year in 2005, and during his time he only missed two Storm road games. He was in the booth for eight United Bowl games as well. 

TOMMY BENIZIO (FORMER IFL COMMISSIONER)

Benizio’s career in the IFL began in 2003 when he co-founded the Intense Football League. As a founding member, he owned and operated the League as well as the Odessa Roughnecks. In 2006 he was named Intense Football League Executive of the year, and, in that same season, the Roughnecks were crowned 2006 Intense Bowl Champions. Benizio was instrumental in build-ing the relationships that led to the merger of United Indoor Football and the Intense Football League to create the current version of the IFL. For his efforts, Benizio was elected as the IFL’s first Commissioner, serving from 2008-2012. Benizio’s leadership and guidance helped prog-ress the league during its infancy stages.