Aaron McConnell

Aaron Richard McConnell (born July 7, 1980) is an American former professional football lineman who played six seasons in the Arena Football League (AFL) with the Nashville Kats, Colorado Crush, Alabama Vipers and Georgia Force. He first enrolled at Oklahoma State University before transferring to Pittsburg State University. He was also a member of the Tennessee Titans, Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Chicago Rush.

Early life McConnell first played high school football at Choctaw High School in Choctaw, Oklahoma. He transferred to Midwest City High School in Midwest City, Oklahoma his sophomore year. He earned all-state honors in football, wrestling and track for the Midwest City Bombers. He also won the state championship in Oklahoma the first year he ever wrestled. McConnell also participated in cheerleading for the Gorillas, winning the Collegiate National Cheerleading Championship his freshman season in 2000.

Professional career McConnell was signed by the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL) on April 26, 2004 after going undrafted in the 2004 NFL draft. He was released by the Titans on August 31, 2004. He signed with the Nashville Kats of the Arena Football League (AFL) on October 15, 2004. McConnell played for the Kats from 2005 to 2007, earning All-Rookie Team honors in 2005. He was selected by the Colorado Crush of the AFL in the 2007 dispersal draft and played for the team in 2008, earning First-team All-Arena recognition. McConnell retired from football in June 2009. He came out of retirement to sign with the Alabama Vipers of the AFL on January 20, 2010 and played for them during the 2010 season, earning All-Ironman Team honors. He signed with the Georgia Force of the AFL on March 24, 2011. McConnell was traded to the Chicago Rush for a claim order position on April 21, 2011.