Powell Commits to Cobras for 2021 SeasonGREENSBORO, NC - The Cobras are proud to announce the return of former NFL, AFL, AAF, XFL and CFL DB Joe Powell for the 2022 season.

Joe Powell (6’2”, 205, Global Institute of Technology) is a true success story that shows that hard work and determination pays off.  After playing only one season at GIT, where he had 53 tackles and one INT in 2013, Powell made his way to Lehigh Valley Steelhawks of the PIFL, where he put together a season with 52.5 tackles and 11 interceptions and was named PIFL Defensive Rookie of the year.  During the offseason he was signed by the Cleveland Gladiators of the AFL and put together a season with 41 tackles and five more interceptions.  The next step for Powell was the NFL, initially getting signed by the NY Giants, and ending up on the Buffalo Bills practice squad for the 2016 season, he remained on the Bills roster until the final cuts of the 2017 season.  He initially signed with the Atlanta Havoc of the AAL but was then signed by the Baltimore Brigade of the AFL, not to settle, Powell signed with the Birmingham Iron of the AAF where he played until the league suspended and he finished out the 2019 season back with the Baltimore Brigade.  In the offseason the XFL held their draft and Powell was drafted by the St. Louis Battlehawks in the 8th round for DBs.  He holds the distinction of scoring the first special teams’ touchdown in this XFL when he combined with Keith Mumphery on a reverse on a kickoff and brought it back 90 yards.  He then signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for the 2020 season, which due to COVID ended up cancelled. When asked for his thoughts on coming to Carolina, Powell said “The reason I wanted to come to Carolina is because it’s close to home for my family to come see me play and the fans are great and supportive in the area.  My reason for coming back this year is because I’m in the community coaching and want to give my kids some exciting football.

Powell’s message to Cobra Nation was simple, “  Cobra Nation, Joe Powell will be back and ready for action!  Let’s rock out and take over the Ironman football league this year and most importantly… let’s win us another championship!

GM/Head Coach Josh Resignalo had this to say about Powell, “Bringing Joe back for the 2022 season was important for many reasons. Most importantly for me was because a person like Joe is one of a kind. Joe is the type of person you want representing anything that you do. It’s also amazing that he’s one heck of an athlete on top of being a better man. He lives in Greensboro now and is dedicated to the youth here in the Triad. Many know him as a great football player, but the Triad is getting to know him as a great teacher and mentor for the youth. He’ll be the first to tell ya that making an impact on a young mind is more important to him than winning games…but dominating on the football field for sure is a close second to changing young lives. That is why Cobra Nation loves Joe Powell!”

Stay tuned to www.CarolinaCobras.com and all our social media as more player announcements are coming!