The Orlando Pirates have signed running back Dewayne McBride
ORLANDO, FL - The Orlando Pirates of the Indoor Football League have signed running back Dewayne McBride for the 2026 season. The 24-year-old is a Florida native who was selected No. 222 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
McBride attended Vanguard High School en route to his collegiate career. He went on to be named the 2022 Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year as he rushed for 1,713 yards and finished the season with 19 touchdowns. In 2021 and 2022 combined, McBride had 437 carries for 3,084 yards with 32 touchdowns.
The Minnesota Vikings took note of the 2022 First-team All C-USA Player and drafted him in the seventh round. After a pair of stints on the practice squad, McBride took his talents to the UFL's Memphis Showboats and CFL's Edmonton Elks. Now, he's prepared to show the world his talents in the IFL.
McBride made an immediate impact during his time with the Blazers. Even though he only played six games in his freshman season, he set the school record for longest rushing touchdown (75 yards) against Louisiana Tech.
The 5'11'' 210-pound RB is a native of Starks, FL. Prior to declaring for the NFL Draft, he was named to five All-America lists, making second or third-team in each of them. McBride's 2022 season was one to remember as he led the nation in rushing yards (1,713), rushing yards per game (155.7) and yards per carry (7.35).
During his 2022 season alone, McBride set school records in rushing yards, rushing yards per game, yards per carry, rushing touchdowns (19), rushes of 20+ yards (23), 100-yard games (10), 200-yard games (3), and total points (114). If that's not enough, he also set the UAB single-game school rushing record when he ran for 272 yards against Louisiana Tech.
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About the Orlando Pirates: The 2021 United Bowl National Champions and 2-time Eastern Conference Champions, Orlando Pirates, are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL) and play their home games at the KIA Center in Orlando, Florida. For 2026 ticket information for Orlando Pirates, please email contact@orlandopirates.com, call (407) 516-6391, or visit www.orlandopirates.com
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About the Indoor Football League (IFL): The IFL is the longest-running indoor football league with 14 teams based in cities across the country. For additional information, please email info@goifl.com or visit the league website at https://goifl.com
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