Riley (6-5, 265, Minnesota) will enter his third season with the Gladiators in 2009. He is one of the lone Gladiators that made the transition from Las Vegas to Cleveland, prior to the 2008 season.
In 2008, Riley started in all 19 games (16 regular season, three postseason). He finished the season with 42.5 tackles, including 8.0 for a loss. His 5.5 sacks ranked second on the team, only behind DE JOE MINUCCI (6.5). On May 17 at Colorado, Riley collared 3.5 tackles and forced a fumble on the goal line, stopping a Crush touchdown and leading to a Gladiators score. He also caught a six-yard touchdown pass in the Gladiators regular season finale versus Columbus on June 21.
Ball (5-8, 190, North Texas) originally signed a one-year contract with the Gladiators prior to the start of the 2008 season. In his third year in the AFL, Ball handled all kicking duties for the Gladiators, appearing in every game (16 regular season, three postseason).
In 2008, Ball converted 99-of-118 extra point attempts, setting a franchise record for extra points in a single season. He also nailed 16 field goals on 21 attempts, finishing the year with the second-best field goal percentage in the league. His 147 points were good for third on the team, behind WR OTIS AMEY (302) and FB/LB MARLION JACKSON (162). That total ranked third in the AFL among kickers.
"Karon is a high-energy guy who brings a lot of speed to the linebacker position and Jason was an important part of the success in 2008," said Gladiators President BERNIE KOSAR. "Knowing both guys will be back adds to the continuity for 2009 and beyond."
Riley and Ball are the second and third players, respectively, to re-sign with the Gladiators since the conclusion of the 2008 season. Minucci and the Gladiators agreed to a two-year deal on July 25.
Don't miss all the hard-hitting action of the Arena Football League as the Gladiators look to bring an ArenaBowl Championship to Cleveland in 2009. Season ticket packages for the 2009 season are on sale now and can be purchased by contacting the Gladiators at 216.685.9000. Fans can also visit www.clevelandgladiators.com.
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