In a significant move within the Indoor Football League (IFL), the Bay Area Panthers have secured the talents of a proven on-field leader by signing former MVP quarterback Daquan Neal. Neal, an indispensable asset on the gridiron, showcased his dual-threat capabilities last season with the Vegas Knight Hawks. As a testament to his versatility, Neal concluded the season within the top seven among quarterbacks for both rushing and passing yards, throwing just shy of 2,000 yards for 39 touchdowns and limiting his interceptions to seven.
The Panthers’ acquisition of Neal isn’t just about adding an accomplished athlete to their roster; it’s also a reunion that promises to invigorate their offensive strategy. Neal finds himself back under the wing of offensive coordinator Dixie Wooten—a partnership that has previously yielded remarkable results. The duo’s synergy was on full display in 2019 with the Iowa Barnstormers when Neal, as a rookie, set an unprecedented standard by clinching the IFL MVP award. His impressive season included a 71 percent completion rate, accumulating 2,642 yards through the air and delivering 59 touchdowns while maintaining exceptional ball security with only three interceptions.
Neal’s mastery of the IFL playbook and electrifying performances have not gone unnoticed beyond the confines of the IFL. His excellence on the field afforded him opportunities to showcase his abilities during a tryout with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts and a stint with the New Jersey Generals in the United States Football League (USFL). Before turning pro, Neal had a fruitful collegiate career at Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina, where he notched up 25 touchdowns, 3,218 passing yards, and an additional 684 on the ground. His senior-year efforts earned him an All-CIAA Honorable Mention as a Viking.
Expressing a palpable zeal for his latest career chapter, Neal is keen to reforge his partnership with his former mentors, stating, “I’m super excited to pair back up with two of my former coaches. I’m ready to get to work and bring another championship to the Bay Area.” A consummate professional with a championship pedigree, Neal is well-equipped to elevate the Panthers’ play and aspirations.
For the Bay Area Panthers, Neal’s signing is not just an addition to their roster—it’s an infusion of proven performance and a hopeful augury of triumphant seasons ahead. As Neal integrates with his new team and revisits a successful coaching dynamic, Panthers fans have every reason to expect dynamic outings and potential title contention moving forward.
