Jacksonville Lock in All-NAL Defensive Back Kenny Veal
Sharks 2021 Leader in Interceptions Ready for Full Season
JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Jacksonville Sharks announce today the signing of defensive back Kenny Veal who signs for his fourth year of arena football and second season with the Sharks.
Kenny Veal (5’11, 185) signed and finished the 2021 season with the Sharks with an impressive 19 solo tackles, 6 interceptions, and 6 assists. Playing in only six games Veal managed to lead the Sharks in interceptions and finished second in the NAL for interceptions and first in the league for turnovers for a score. Veal also had two games last season where he had more than one interception in the game including on the road against his former team the Carolina Cobras. Veal was named Second Team All-NAL for the 2021 season for defense but also helped the Shark on special teams returning seven kicks for 84 yards.
Veal spent the 2019 season with the Carolina Cobras where helped the team to a 9-5 record, a playoff victory, and a NAL championship appearance against the Jacksonville Sharks. Veal served on one of the best defensive secondary in the NAL as the Cobras shut out two teams in 2018 and held opponents to less than 30 points a game. Veal finished 2019 with 21 tackles, six pass breakups, and six interceptions.
Prior to the NAL, Veal played in three other indoor/arena leagues. He spent the 2017 season in the Arena Football League (AFL) with the Cleveland Gladiators and spent time with the Green Bay Blizzards of the Indoor Football League (IFL). In 2016, Veal played for the Wichita Nighthawks of the Indoor Football League after a successful 2015 campaign with the Nashville Venom of the Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL). Kenny Veal helped lead the Venom to the PIFL Cup III championship game and was selected as a member of the All-PIFL Team in 2015. Shortly after the PIFL season he was signed by the Cleveland Gladiators of the AFL and saw action but spent the majority of that season on inactive reserve. Veal originally signed with the Nashville Venom as a rookie in 2014.
Prior to his football career he played collegiately at Toledo University. In his collegiate career he assisted the Rockets to 8 wins. In his two seasons at Toledo, he accumulated 39 tackles and 24.4 kickoff returns. Veal is a native of Hamilton, Ohio, he played at Hamilton high school where he was selected to play in the Big 33 Football Classic.
About the Jacksonville Sharks
The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the National Arena League (NAL). The 2019 & 2017 NAL Champions and ArenaBowl XXIV Champions play all their home games at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena. Sharks Nation Memberships for the 2022 season are now available. To become a Shark Nation member or for more information please call (904) 621-0700. Follow the Sharks on Facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter and Instagram @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumsharks.