Jacksonville Re-Signs Quarterback Mike Fafaul

Record Breaking QB Returns to Sharks

JACKSONVILLE – The 2019 National Arena League champion Jacksonville Sharks announced today the signing of Quarterback Mike Fafaul. Fafaul is entering his third season of arena football and second with Jacksonville.

Mike Fafaul (6’2, 205) played in 13 games for the Sharks with notable appearances in key games, including the 2019 NAL Championship where he threw 15 passes for 145 yards and three touchdowns including the game-winning touchdown with only seven seconds left on the clock. Fafaul also made magic happen for the Sharks in the NAL playoffs against the Columbus Lions tossing over 130 yards on ten passes and three touchdowns. Fafaul led the Sharks in breaking the franchise record for highest points scored in a game not once but twice in 2019. Mid-season against the New York Streets, Fafaul and the Sharks dismantled the Streets 83-51 in a pay back for their home opening loss where the New York Streets beat the Sharks in their only loss of the season. Fafaul broke the record again putting up 85 points in the regular season finale versus the rival Orlando Predators where Jacksonville’s star quarterback put up 239 yards passing and six touchdowns to close out the regular season in the Shark Tank.

Overall, Fafaul finished 2019 as the most efficient passer in the NAL going 148-218 in passing for 1,594 yards with 41 touchdowns. Jacksonville led the NAL in scoring offense with 805 points in the regular season, averaging 57.5 points per game. In Fafaul’s first season with the Sharks he led the team to both a playoff victory and their second National Arena League title in three years while snagging league accolades as the number one rated quarterback in the NAL for completion rating (67.1), passing efficiency (110.2) as well as yards per pass (7.1).

“Always good to have your field general back. Any time you can get your starting quarterback back is a blessing. Even more so when he has won you a championship. I know Mike is looking forward to building on what we accomplished last season. I always thought very highly of Mike, but with another year under his belt, I believe he can be even better in 2021.” Said Sharks Head Coach James Fuller.

Before the Sharks, Fafaul spent his rookie year playing for the Albany Empire of the Arena Football League (AFL) backing up former Sharks All-Arena QB Tommy Grady. Fafaul attended and played for UCLA in 2013, 2015, and 2016. During his college career, he totaled 1,670 yards on 141 attempts and 12 touchdowns. He also attended Fork Union Military Academy where he helped lead them to an 8-1 season in 2011.

Fafaul is from Cockeysville, MD. He attended Loyola Blakefield High School in Towson, MD, and his senior season, he had 22 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He accumulated many awards in high school including Fox 45 Maryland Prep Player of the Week, Big School All-State QB honorable mention, 1st team All-Conference (MIAA), and was ranked in the Maryland Elite 11. Mike has returned to Loyola and is currently their head football coach.


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 Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Sharks Nation Memberships for the 2021 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.