The Memphis Panthers Pro Developmental National Team Join the GDFL

Memphis,Tn-The Memphis Panthers are happy to announce we have joined the Gridiron Developmental Football League for the 2024 season and beyond. The Panthers are gearing up to compete for the coveted National Championship.

Owner operator, “Mario Ackers stated, allow me to introduce our team and share some of our accomplishments thus far. The Memphis Panthers are a rising force in the world of Pro Developmental Football and our inaugural season was played in the Southern Elite Football League (SEFL). In our 2019 S.E.F.L. inaugural season, we finished with an impressive 7-3 record.

 This achievement reflects the dedication and talent of our players, as well as the exceptional coaching staff that has guided them. At that time, Mario Ackers vowed to keep elevating the organization. In the 2020 season, the Panthers came out the gate strong racing to a 5-1 record before COVID19 pandemic put a stop to the season. Ownership took that free time to refocus on building a better organization. With the pandemic behind us we geared up for the 2021 season where the Panthers again stormed out the gate with an impressive 8-2 regular season. Not only did the Panthers secure a winning record, but we also emerged as Division Champions earning the right to play in our first conference championship which we would win and go to the 2021 S.E.F.L. title game in Louisiana. After a hard fought game, the Panthers were defeated by the Louisiana Bayou Hurricanes of Lafayette Louisiana. That loss only fueled Head Coach Ackers to work and come back even stronger. 

 Ownership decided to make a change for the 2022 season and brought in new Head Coach Jerry Applewhite. Coach Applewhite was already a championship winning coach having led several teams to many wins. He also shared the same passion and drive that it takes to create champions. The Panthers Ownership found that Coach Applewhite was the missing ingredient to getting the Panthers to the next level. Under the tutelage of Head Coach Applewhite, the Memphis Panthers won the 2022 SEFL Championship. 

With those goals accomplished, Ownership believes it is in the best interest to keep elevating the organization to greater heights. With that we are proud to announce the following organizational changes:

Tanisha Platt-Ackers will now serve as President and will be responsible for overall management of the organization as well as the community liaison. 

Jennifer Bell (NLFA League Owner) will be the General Manager overseeing football operations. 

We are excited about this new journey we are entering in and look forward to continued success with the GDFL for the 2024 season. 

These milestones serve as a testament to our team's determination, resilience, and commitment to excellence. We believe that our success is a result of a strong sense of camaraderie, a tireless work ethic, and a strategic approach to the game.