Nov. 16, 2007

TAMPA - The five-time world champion Tampa Bay Storm has signed offensive lineman Emmanuel Akah, Head Coach and General Manger Tim Marcum announced today.

"Manny is a big guy that adds a great deal of size to our line," said Marcum.  "He played soccer as youngster and has quick feet for a guy his size."

Akah, 6-foot-3, 330 pounds, is a street free agent and will make his Arena League debut with Tampa Bay.  He spent the beginning of the 2007 National Football League season on the practice squads of the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs.  Prior to that Akah anchored the offensive line for the Frankfurt Galaxy during the 2007 NFL Europa season as they advanced to World Bowl XV.

The London, England native began his professional career with the London Olympians of the British American Football League in 2005.  Akah then spent 2006 with the Rhein Fire and Galaxy before joining the Miami Dolphins for training camp.

He began his college career at State University of New York-Canton before he transferred to Winston-Salem University where he played from 2002-04.  Akah was a First-Team Black College All-American and a First-Team All-Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association selection his senior year.

The Tampa Bay Storm look forward to the 2008 season as many key players from 2007 will return.  AFL Co-Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie quarterback Brett Dietz, All-Ironman Lawrence Samuels, record-setting fullback Torrance Marshall and touchdown-leading wide receiver Terrill Shaw, among others will be back to take the 2008 AFL season by storm.  For 2008 Storm season ticket information please call (813)-301-6780.

For additional details on the Akah signing, contact Tamba Bay Storm Director of Media Relations Jim Robinson at (813) 307-5906.