ATHENS CRUSH SIGN FORMER NFL DEFENSIVE LINEMAN DEVONTE O’MALLEY
FORMER NORTHERN ILLINOIS STANDOUT AND ALL-MAC SELECTION BRINGS NFL, CFL AND IFL EXPERIENCE TO ATHENS
ATHENS, Ga. (November 3, 2026) – The Athens Crush have signed defensive lineman Devonte O’Malley, adding an accomplished pass rusher with experience at Northern Illinois University, in the National Football League, Canadian Football League, and Indoor Football League to the team’s roster ahead of its inaugural season.
At 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds, O’Malley enjoyed an outstanding five-year collegiate career at Northern Illinois from 2020 to 2024, appearing in 58 games with 46 starts. He finished his Huskies career with 130 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 22.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and an interception. His 22.5 career sacks rank sixth in Northern Illinois program history.
O’Malley enjoyed his best season in 2024, earning First Team All-Mid-American Conference honors and honorable mention All-America recognition. He recorded career highs of 39 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and eight sacks, ranking fourth in the MAC in sacks.
He also made a national impression during Northern Illinois’ memorable 16-14 upset victory over fifth-ranked Notre Dame in September 2024. O’Malley recorded four tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble, earning National Defensive Player of the Week and MAC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
After earning a degree in sport management, O’Malley signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans in May 2025. He later joined the Green Bay Packers in August and appeared in a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, recording a tackle and a sack.
O’Malley continued his professional career with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League in September 2025, spending the season on the team’s practice roster.
In June 2026, O’Malley joined the IFL’s Orlando Pirates midway through the season, where he quickly established himself as a disruptive presence on the defensive line. Despite playing in just eight games, he recorded 28 tackles and 4.5 sacks, earning IFL All-Rookie honors. His production made an immediate impact and further demonstrated his ability to translate his talent and pass-rushing skills to the indoor game.
“Devonte is a dynamic, high-motor defensive lineman who has the power and athleticism to cause destruction in the backfield,” said Athens Crush Head Coach Rob Keefe. “He’s a tough, explosive athlete who plays the game with power and aggression.”
“I’ve been fortunate to compete at some high levels of football, and I’m bringing that experience, passion, and a relentless work ethic to Athens,” said O’Malley. “I can’t wait to get to work, compete for a championship, and give Crush fans something to be proud of.”
O’Malley joins the Crush as they prepare for their first season in the Indoor Football League. The team will play eight regular-season home games at Akins Ford Arena during the 2027 season.
Season tickets and additional team information are available at AthensCrush.com.
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About the Athens Crush
The Athens Crush are a new professional Indoor Football League (IFL) franchise set to begin play in March 2027 at Akins Ford Arena in Athens, Georgia. Led by an ownership group that includes Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis, College Football Hall of Famer David Pollack, and former MLB All-Star and NFL standout Brian Jordan, the organization is committed to bringing high-energy, family-friendly entertainment and championship-caliber football to the Classic City. For more information, visit AthensCrush.com.
About the Indoor Football League
The Indoor Football League (IFL) is the premier professional indoor football league in North America and the longest continuously operating indoor football league in the United States. Entering its 19th season, the IFL features fast-paced, high-scoring action played on a 50-yard field inside arenas across the country. For more information, visit GoIFL.com.