The Memphis Showboats re-signed linebacker T.J. Neal, offensive lineman Matt Burrell, and long snapper Ryan DiSalvo on Tuesday.
T.J. Neal is six foot one and weighs 236 pounds. The 29-year-old from McKeesport, Pennsylvania, had 31 tackles (17 solo, 14 assists), four tackles for loss, and half a sack in ten games for the Showboats in 2023.
The Showboats (then Tampa Bay Bandits) signed Neal as a free agent. In 2022, he made 16.5 tackles (10 solo, 13 assists) and one interception for nine yards in ten games for the Bandits.
Before Memphis, Neal played for the Sioux Falls Storm (IFL) in 2019 with 87 tackles (59 solo, 28 assists), 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two pass breakups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one blocked kick in 15 games helping the Storm win the United Bowl.
In 2021, he signed with the Spokane Shock (IFL) with seven tackles (one solo, 6 assists), half tackle for loss, and one quarterback hit in one game for the Shock.
Collegiately, Neal played four seasons at the University of Illinois (2012-15) with 142 tackles (51 solo, 91 assists), 8.5 tackles for loss, one interception for 14 yards, five pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one kick return for 17 yards in 27 games for the Fighting Illini. He was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2015.
Then, Neal transferred to Auburn in 2016 with 29 tackles (17 solo, 12 assists) and 1.5 tackles for loss in 12 games for the Tigers.
Matt Burrell is six foot four and weighs 310 pounds. The 26-year-old from Woodbridge, Virginia, played six games for the Showboats in 2023, of which four were starts playing center. The Showboats (then the Tampa Bay Bandits) drafted Burrell in the third round (297th pick) in the 2022 USFL Supplemental Draft. He played two games for the Bandits in 2022 playing center.
Before Memphis, Burrell played for the Tucson Sugar Skulls (IFL) in 2021 playing seven games at center. Collegiately, Burrell played three seasons at Ohio State (2015-17) playing 25 games for the Buckeyes. Then, he transferred to Sam Houston State (2017-18) and played 20 games for the Bearkats playing center and guard.
Ryan DiSalvo is six foot four and weighs 245 pounds. The 29-year-old from Santa Cruz, California, played ten games for the Showboats in 2023. The Showboats (then the Tampa Bay Bandits) drafted DiSalvo in the 35th round (277th pick) in the 2022 USFL Draft. He played ten games for the Bandits in 2022.
Before Memphis, DiSalvo signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2016. He later spent time with the Tennessee Titans. In 2019, he played eight games for the San Diego Fleet (AAF) with one tackle, and in 2021 played for the Conquerors (TSL).
Collegiately, DiSalvo played four seasons at San Jose State (2012-15) playing 58 games for the Spartans. In 2015, he helped the Spartans set a single-season team record with 42.4 net punting and one tackle. In addition, he helped initiate San José State’s second consecutive season scoring more than 100 kick-scoring points.
