Pirates Sign Kicker Henry Nell
ORLANDO, FL - The Orlando Pirates have signed kicker Henry Nell. This is the second time that Nell will join the team just prior to the end of the season. In 2024 Nell played in the Pirates final four games and then helped the team to the IFL’s National Championship game against the Arizona Rattlers.
By: Mick Moninghoff
In his short time with the Pirates, the 5'11", 190 lb. native of Pretoria, South Africa etched his name into the team's record book setting single season and all-time regular season marks for drop kicks with four and kicking points per game at 9.5. He also holds all-time and single game playoff records for drop kicks and "Deuces" including three in a victory vs. the Frisco Fighters. He also connected on two drop kicks in the IFL title game. His total of six drop kicks in 2024 are an IFL record.
Most recently, Nell played this season for the Kentucky Barrels in the AF1. Last season he was an AF1 First-Team selection with the Albany Firebirds as they were the league's undefeated champions. Nell was fifth in the league with 106 total points that included 15 "Deuces" which led the league. He connected on 88 percent of his PAT's and had a season long field goal of 50 yards.
A former rugby player, Nell tried his hand at football in 2018 with the Maine Mammoths of the National Arena League and set a league record with 13 field goals. He recorded the league's first drop kick, had 11 "Deuces" and was an All-NAL performer with 99 points.
In 2019 he kicked in the IFL with Cedar Rapids River Kings and in the AFL with the Baltimore Brigade. 2021 saw Nell taken in the third round of the Canadian Football League Global Draft by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He played in three games. He then joined the Green Bay Blizzard in the IFL.
After kicking for West Texas in the AFL to start the 2024 season Nell joined the Pirates for their playoff run.
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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, or visit www.orlandopirates.com
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