(Glendale, AZ) The Arizona Rattlers have signed two defensive backs looking to bolster the top secondary in the league in 2026.
Jesse Johnson III
Johnson, 5-11, 180 pounds, had a breakout year at Austin Peay in 2024 appearing in 12 games with 11 starts. He recorded 46 tackles and had four interceptions and six pass breakups. He also recovered a fumble.
Leaving college a year early, he signed with the UFL’s Birmingham Stallions but was released in the final roster cutdown. He is the nephew of former NFL All-Pro cornerback Antonio Cromartie.
Keylon Kennedy
Kennedy, 6-0, 185 pounds out of Fort Hays St. University, signed with the Rattlers before the 2026 season, then joined the St. Louis Battlehawks where he appeared in five games in his second stint with the team before going on injured reserve.
In addition to playing for the Battlehawks in 2024, he played all 10 games for the Vegas Vipers of the UFL in 2023.
Kennedy is from Daytona Beach, Fla, and played at Mainland High School.
Press Release courtesy of the Arizona Rattlers – Jay Gonzales
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