Sharks Sign AFL Veteran Quarterback Arvell Nelson

JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Jacksonville Sharks announce the signing of veteran quarterback Arvell Nelson who signed for his ninth season of arena football and first playing for the Jacksonville Sharks. 

Arvell Nelson (6’5, 230) last played in 2019 with the Washington Valor of the Arena Football League. Nelson led the Valor with 240 passes for 2,980 yards and 54 touchdowns. He helped the Valor to the playoffs in the AFL’s final season and an Arena Bowl victory in his first year with the team (2018). Nelson had a very successful career in arena football as a starting quarterback playing across the country, including Washington Valor (2018-2019), Richmond Roughriders (2018), Cleveland Gladiators (2016-2017), Spokane Shock (2013,2015), Pittsburgh Power (2014) and Alabama Hammers (2012). Combined he had a career total of over 996 completed passes, 1,649 passing yards, 236 passing touchdowns as well as over 61 rushing touchdowns in arena football. 

Nelson was an ArenaBowl XXXI champion and was awarded ArenaBowl XXI MVP in 2018 with the Washington Valor. Before his professional career, he split his college career between Iowa, Fort Scott CC., and Texas Southern University. As a freshman he was a front runner competing for the starting job at Iowa University but would later transfer to Fort Scott Community College where he spent his sophomore season as a second-team All-Jayhawk Community College safety. Nelson transferred again to Texas Southern where he spent the remainder of his college career playing quarterback for the Tigers. During his time at TSU he earned the SWAC newcomer of the year for his first season at quarterback with Texas Southern, he would go on to lead the Tigers to a division title before graduating. 

Nelson is a native of Cleveland, OH where he played quarterback for Glenview High School. Arvell Nelson rose into a nationwide name by his senior year as he was ranked a top 25 quarterback at the high school level (scouts, rivals) and was labeled a three-star recruit with offers from Iowa, Tennessee, Michigan State, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Syracuse.  

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.