The Indoor Football League (IFL) announced its 2019 Hall of Fame class on Monday afternoon, inducting Javicz Jones, Bryan Pray, and Myniya Smith into the exclusive group that has now reached 18 players.
The Hall of Fame has inducted three players in each year since 2014 when it inducted its first trio of former players and executives.
IFL announces 2019 Hall of Fame Class
Jones spent most of his career in Des Moines with the Iowa Barnstormers – where he climbed the league’s tackle chart.
In three and a half seasons of play, Jones managed to finish third all-time in tackles.
“First and foremost, I’d like to thank God for keeping me able to play this game,” Jones said on a release. “I’d also like to thank my family and friends, specifically my mom, dad and grandma for always being in my corner! They made some huge sacrifices to watch me over the years.”
Jones added, “The Hall of Fame means the world to me because it shows that all the hard work and sacrifice has really paid off! I wanted to make an impact where I was and most definitely be remembered as one of the greats.”
Pray on the other hand spent time with six different IFL teams during his eight-year career in the league.
When there was a veteran receiver needed, Pray was the one who got the call.
“It’s a gift and a blessing and I am very thankful and honored for this Hall of Fame selection. To know people see me as one of the best to ever play this game is a great feeling,” Pray said in the release. “I want to thank all of the coaches I played for, teammates I played with, fans who came and supported my teams, and the communities who welcomed me over the years. I also want to thank my wife for allowing me to chase this dream, without her support none of this is even possible.
“I also want to thank the IFL for providing me the platform and giving me the opportunity to play a game I came to love,” Pray said.
The pair each become the Iowa Barnstormers first inductions to the Hall of Fame, and Pray becomes the first inductee to play for West Michigan and Spokane as well.
Smith was inducted as the lone Sioux Falls Storm inductee this year – a streak unmatched by any other team in the league.
The Storm have had at least one player inducted in every year the Hall of Fame has been active since it started in 2014.
The ceremony for this year’s Hall of Fame class will take place at half time of the 2019 United Bowl which will be played on the weekend of July 6.
The Indoor Football League regular season concludes after the final slate of games this Saturday.
