TARIK PUSEY

BACK FOR MORE: VETERAN DEFENSIVE ENFORCER TARIK PUSEY RE-SIGNS WITH JERSEY BEARCATS FOR 2027

From championship victories to professional arena football battles, the hard-hitting veteran returns to familiar territory with unfinished business.

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Some players bring talent. Others bring experience. Then there are players who understand what it takes to compete when everything is on the line.

Tarik Pusey brings all three.

The Jersey Bearcats are proud to announce the return of veteran linebacker/defensive back Tarik Pusey (#22) for the 2027 American Arena League season.

And this isn’t his first time wearing Bearcats colors.

Having previously represented the organization, Pusey returns with a football résumé that includes championship success, NCAA competition, and professional experience across multiple indoor football organizations.

His return brings more than another defensive weapon to the roster. It reunites the Bearcats with a familiar, battle-tested veteran who understands the physical demands of the game and the expectations of a championship-driven organization.

A CHAMPIONSHIP MENTALITY BUILT EARLY

Winning has been part of Pusey’s football journey since his early days in Brooklyn, New York.

A standout at Abraham Lincoln High School, Pusey helped the Railsplitters capture the prestigious New York City Public Schools Athletic League Football Championship.

On December 7, 2011, Lincoln defeated Erasmus Hall 20–12 at Yankee Stadium, completing an undefeated 13–0 season.

It was a championship victory on one of the biggest stages in New York sports.

Pusey’s high school accomplishments also included recognition as a Brooklyn All-Star Defensive MVP and New York All-Borough selection.

Those achievements helped establish the foundation for a football career defined by toughness, perseverance, and competition.

FROM NCAA FOOTBALL TO GAME-CHANGING DEFENSIVE PLAYS

Pusey continued his athletic career at the University of Rhode Island before transferring to the University of New Haven.

During the 2014 season at New Haven, he recorded 31 tackles, four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

One of his most memorable performances came during a commanding 40–0 victory over Pace University, when Pusey recovered a fumble and returned it an impressive 89 yards.

The play showcased the defensive instincts, athleticism, and awareness that would eventually serve him in professional indoor football.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN IN THE CIF: RAPID CITY MARSHALS

Before joining established championship contenders, Pusey’s journey in Champions Indoor Football began with the Rapid City Marshals in South Dakota.

In 2022, Pusey was part of the Marshals’ inaugural CIF season, competing at defensive back as the expansion franchise established itself in professional indoor football.

Wearing #6, Pusey gained valuable experience competing against established CIF opponents, including the Sioux City Bandits.

Official game records document his defensive contributions during that first season, including tackles and a pass breakup against Sioux City.

The Marshals’ inaugural campaign brought its share of challenges, but also memorable moments, including a thrilling 56–55 victory over the Wyoming Mustangs in May 2022.

For Pusey, Rapid City represented an important chapter in his professional development.

Competing in the CIF meant adjusting to the relentless pace of indoor football, where defensive positioning, quick reactions, physicality, and situational awareness become even more critical.

The experience helped build the foundation for the next stages of his professional career.

What began with the Marshals would eventually lead Pusey to opportunities with established organizations across the indoor football landscape.

THE NEXT LEVEL: QUAD CITY STEAMWHEELERS

Following his experience in Rapid City, Pusey earned an opportunity with the Quad City Steamwheelers of the Indoor Football League (IFL).

He signed with Quad City ahead of the 2023 season as the organization strengthened its defensive roster following an appearance in the previous year’s IFL National Championship.

The opportunity placed Pusey within another highly competitive professional football environment, adding to his experience across different levels of the indoor game.

CHAMPIONSHIP-CALIBER COMPETITION WITH SALINA LIBERTY

Pusey’s professional journey also included time with the Salina Liberty, one of the most recognized championship contenders in Champions Indoor Football.

During the early portion of the 2023 CIF season, Pusey recorded:

• 21 tackles
• 1.5 tackles for loss
• 1 sack
• 2 pass breakups

The Liberty went on to finish the 2023 regular season with an impressive 8–2 record, advancing to Champions Bowl VIII.

Their championship-game run featured significant victories over the Sioux City Bandits and Gillette Mustangs.

Although Salina ultimately finished as the CIF runner-up, the season represented another chapter in Pusey’s experience with high-level professional football organizations.

From the challenges of helping establish an expansion team in Rapid City to competing within Salina’s championship-driven environment, Pusey’s journey has exposed him to different systems, opponents, and competitive expectations.

That experience is something he now brings back to Jersey.

ONCE A BEARCAT. ALWAYS A BEARCAT.

Now the journey brings Pusey back to familiar territory.

Having previously worn the Jersey Bearcats uniform, Pusey returns with an opportunity to build on his history with the organization.

His versatility at linebacker and defensive back provides Jersey with an experienced defensive presence capable of contributing in multiple areas of the game.

In arena football, where momentum can change in seconds and one defensive stop can determine a game’s outcome, veteran experience becomes invaluable.

And for an organization with championship aspirations, experience matters.

The Bearcats have built a reputation around developing talent, competing at a high level, and consistently positioning themselves among the league’s strongest organizations.

With two championships, three championship appearances, and six playoff appearances in franchise history, Jersey is preparing for another demanding season.

As the Bearcats enter their 2027 campaign at Mennen Arena in Morristown, New Jersey, the return of experienced players like Pusey reinforces the organization’s commitment to building a competitive, disciplined roster.

THE MISSION REMAINS THE SAME: WIN.

For Tarik Pusey, the 2027 season represents another opportunity to make an impact with an organization he already knows.

His journey has taken him from winning a city championship at Yankee Stadium to competing at the NCAA level, establishing his professional indoor football career with Rapid City, and gaining experience with organizations such as Quad City and Salina.

Every stop has added another chapter.

Every challenge has added experience.

And now, the veteran defender returns to Jersey ready for the next one.

The experience is established. The physicality is undeniable. The mentality is championship-driven.

Now it’s time to bring it all together.

TARIK PUSEY IS BACK FOR 2027.

ONCE A BEARCAT. ALWAYS A BEARCAT.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS.