One of the IFL’s Leading Tacklers Brings Proven Playmaking Ability to the Crush Secondary
ATHENS, Ga. (November 11, 2026) – The Athens Crush have signed defensive back John Huggins, adding an experienced and physical playmaker to the team’s secondary ahead of its inaugural Indoor Football League (IFL) season.
Huggins joins the Crush after establishing himself as one of the Jacksonville Sharks’ most productive defensive players, combining excellent tackling ability with an instinct for creating turnovers.
During the 2025 IFL season, Huggins was one of Jacksonville’s defensive leaders, leading the team with 116 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, and four pass breakups. He continued his strong play in 2026, recording 105 tackles, four interceptions, and 14 pass breakups, further demonstrating his consistency and ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
Before beginning his professional career, Huggins played collegiate football at the University of Florida and Jackson State University. Huggins played on special teams as a freshman at Florida, and later transferred to Jackson State where he emerged as a standout defensive performer, recording 109 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and three interceptions during the 2023 season.
Known for his physical style of play, ability to support against the run and ball-hawking instincts, Huggins brings valuable professional experience to a Crush defense being assembled by Head Coach Rob Keefe.
“John is a physical and instinctual defensive back who brings big game indoor football experience to our organization,” said Keefe. “He’s a proven playmaker who can bring down great athletes in space and create turnovers. He is an aggressive, relentless player who we are excited to have in our secondary.”
“I’m excited to join the Athens Crush and be part of what we’re building here,’ said Huggins. “I’m ready to compete, bring energy to this defense, and do whatever it takes to help this team win.”
Huggins becomes the latest addition to an Athens roster being built to compete in the IFL’s Eastern Conference beginning in March 2027 at Akins Ford Arena in Athens, Georgia.
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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.