Wheeling, W. Va. – Over the past two seasons, former Wheeling University Football player Brandon Munoz has been a force on defense for the National Arena League (NAL)'s Jacksonville Sharks. After their inaugural season in the American Arena League (AAL) 2, the Wheeling Miners have moved up to the NAL and are bringing the former Cardinal back to Wheeling. The team announced the signing of Brandon Munoz earlier this week, reconnecting him with the city where he helped build a college program.
Munoz came to Wheeling University in the fall of 2018 when Wheeling University was first starting a college football program. He would end up spending his entire five-year college career with the Cardinals, finishing as a four-time All-Mountain East Conference (MEC) honoree. He finished his career with 211.0 total tackles, 115 solo and 91 assisted, while recording 51 tackles for loss and 21 sacks. He ended his career as the program record holder for both sacks and tackles for loss as well as tackle for loss yardage (204) and sack yardage (132). He also finished top five in program history in total tackles, solo tackles, and assisted tackles. During his senior season, he recorded the first and only interception of his career against Charleston as he helped build the Cardinal program.
Following graduation, Munoz participated in several showcases, including the National Scouting Combine and the FBS All-American Tropical Bowl in Orlando, Florida. After playing through bowl season, Munoz would sign with the Jacksonville Sharks in 2023 and, at the time was the second Cardinal to ever sign a pro contract. In two seasons with the Sharks, Munoz has blossomed on both sides of the ball, getting time as both a linebacker and a full ack. During the 2024 season, Munoz finished with 30.5 tackles, 23 solo and 15 assisted, to go along with 8.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. He moved to a full time defender during the 2024 season, helping the Sharks finish 5-11 overall during the season.
Munoz joins a Wheeling Miners team that was laced with former Cardinals and current Wheeling coaches a season ago. He will be reunited with his old defensive coordinator Mott Gaymon as well as former Cardinals Jayvon Johnson and Aaron Finch in the defensive side of the ball. When that trio last took the field together for the Cardinals during the 2021 season, the Wheeling defense allowed just 21.73 points per game and an average of 3.5 yards per carry. Joining them on the defensive side of the ball will be Zay Lewis, who earned the Miner's defensive player of the year a season ago. While he spent a majority of his time with the Cardinals on the offensive line, he will join Munoz up front for the Miner's pass rush.
The Wheeling Miners continue to announce signers for the upcoming 2024 season, their first in the NAL. Wheeling Athletics wishes Brandon Munoz the best with the Miners and we look forward to welcoming him back to the Friendly City.
