Rayshaun Kizer facts for kids

Rayshaun Kizer (born February 3, 1985) is an American football coach. He is currently the defensive coordinator for the Tucson Sugar Skulls in the Indoor Football League (IFL). A defensive coordinator helps plan how the team's defense will stop the other team from scoring.

Before becoming a coach, Kizer was a professional football player. He played as a defensive back in several leagues, including the National Football League (NFL), Canadian Football League (CFL), and Arena Football League (AFL). He studied Computer Science at Walsh University.

Early Life and College Football

Rayshaun Kizer grew up in Euclid, Ohio, and went to Euclid High School.

He played college football for the Walsh University Cavaliers from 2003 to 2006. During his time there, he caught 14 interceptions, which means he caught the ball when the other team threw it. He even ran 5 of those interceptions back for touchdowns! Kizer was recognized as a top player, earning "All-American" honors in his final year. In 2015, he was honored by his school and added to their Wall of Fame.

Professional Playing Career

Rayshaun Kizer played for many different football teams during his professional career. He was known for his skills as a defensive back, especially for catching interceptions.

Starting in the NFL and CFL

Kizer first joined the New York Jets in the National Football League in 2007. Later that year, he moved to the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League.

Success in Arena Football

In 2009, Kizer played for the Green Bay Blizzard in the af2 league. He had a strong season, making 65 tackles and catching 4 interceptions. He even helped his team win a playoff game with a game-ending interception.

He then joined the Orlando Predators from 2010 to 2011. Kizer was amazing at catching interceptions, leading the entire Arena Football League with 12 interceptions in 2010. The next year, he set a new AFL record with 16 interceptions in a single season! Because of his great play, he was named "First-team All-Arena" two years in a row.

Kizer also played for the Philadelphia Soul from 2012 to 2014. He continued to be a top defensive player, earning "Second-team All-Arena" honors in both 2013 and 2014. He made many tackles and interceptions for the Soul.

He later played for the Arizona Rattlers, New Orleans VooDoo, and Los Angeles KISS in 2015. He earned "Second-team All-Arena" honors again in 2015. Kizer also played for the Qingdao Clipper in China in 2016, the Cleveland Gladiators in 2017, and the Georgia Doom in 2018.

Coaching Career

After a long playing career, Rayshaun Kizer began coaching. He quickly became known for his strong defensive strategies.

Bismarck Bucks

In 2019, Kizer started his coaching journey with the Bismarck Bucks of the Indoor Football League (IFL). He served as the assistant head coach, defensive coordinator, and special teams coach.

Massachusetts Pirates

Kizer joined the Massachusetts Pirates as their defensive coordinator in 2020. The 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He returned to the Pirates in 2021 as the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. That year, the Pirates had an amazing season, winning 11 games in a row and taking home the IFL United Bowl championship! Kizer's defense was the best in the league, allowing opponents to score only 31.7 points per game.

In 2022, Kizer was promoted to head coach of the Pirates. He led the team to a strong 11–5 record in his first year as head coach.

Omaha Beef

In 2023, Kizer became the head coach and defensive coordinator for the Omaha Beef in the Champions Indoor Football (CIF) league. He led the Beef to a perfect 10–0 undefeated season, which was the first time a head coach in CIF history achieved this! They also won the 2023 CIF Championship.

As defensive coordinator for the Beef, Kizer's defense was outstanding. It was considered the best in CIF history, holding teams to only 20.8 points per game. Kizer left the Omaha Beef in December 2023.

Tucson Sugar Skulls

In December 2023, Kizer joined the Tucson Sugar Skulls of the IFL as their defensive coordinator. He continues to lead their defense.

Head Coaching Record