Former Sooner with NFL experience joins Defenders

Ronnell Lewis

TULSA, OK—The Oklahoma Defenders Indoor Football team announced the signing of former Oklahoma Sooners and Detroit Lions defensive end Ronnell Lewis to the team in preparation for the 2013-14 Champions Professional Indoor Football League season.

Nicknamed “the Hammer”, Lewis was a standout with the Sooners during his tenure in Norman.   In just three seasons, Lewis amassed 118 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and 2 interceptions (including a 12-yard touchdown return).

Lewis found a name for himself in the 2009 Sun Bowl amongst the Sooner faithful with his two bone-crushing hits on kickoffs against Stanford. He was named Big XII Player of the Week with his 9-tackle, one interception game against Texas A&M.

“Having a local product like Ronnell is huge for our organization as well as for Tulsa.” Defenders head coach Derek Rassmussen said.  “We have brought in the best of the best when it comes to local talent, highlighted with the addition of Lewis.  With his experience, size, and athletic ability, Lewis will be a force to be reckoned with in the CPIFL.”

Prior to playing with OU he excelled at Dewar High School in Dewar, Oklahoma.   Lewis received numerous awards including: SuperPrep All-American, PrepStar All-American (top 250 nationally), First-Team Tulsa World All-State, and First-Team Oklahoma All-State (offense and defense, unanimous).  He was also selected to play in the ESPN Under Armour All-Star game. He was named Mr. Football Oklahoma for the small schools in 2008 when he rushed for 2,219 yards on 150 rushes and had 33 touchdowns.

When he was signed, Lewis indicated how pleased he was to be returning home to play with the Defenders next year.

“I’ve learned a lot over the last year and a half about giving back being a small town guy.  Now having the opportunity to play in Tulsa, I get to be around my family and the community I grew up in.  I want to help in the community, mentor youth, and give back in any way that I can,” Lewis said.

Lewis added, “Now with the Defenders, I can showcase my talent. I want to take a leadership role and keep the other guys motivated and hyped-up to play the game we love and enjoy, and have fun while doing it.”

The Defenders 2014 campaign is set to kick-off on Saturday, March 1 at 7:05 p.m.at the Cox Business Center in Tulsa, OK against the Kansas Koyotes.  Season tickets are now on sale starting at $30.  To purchase your season tickets, call 918-403-9926.  For more information about the Defenders, visit oklahomadefenders.com or join us on Facebook and Twitter (@OKDefenders).