Defensive Back Michael Hawthorne and Offensive Lineman Shelly Houston

TAMPA BAY – The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm has signed defensive back Michael Hawthorne and offensive lineman Shelly Houston, announce head coach and general manager Tim Marcum.

“Michael is a guy we saw training at the IMG Academy in Bradenton,” said Marcum.  “He brings tremendous size to the defensive backfield and we are excited to see what he can do on the field.”

Hawthorne (6-3, 205, Purdue) a six-year veteran of the National Football League last played for the St. Louis Rams in 2005.  He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 6th round (195th overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft.  In his six seasons in the NFL Hawthorne tallied 163 tackles, 12 pass breakups, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and a sack.  Hawthorne is a product of Booker High School in Sarasota, Florida where he earned first-team All-District and third-team All-State honors as a defensive back.

“Shelly provides us with extra depth on the offensive line,” added Marcum.  “He is a local guy that we feel can come in and compete for a spot.”

Houston (6-2, 320, South Florida) last played for the South Florida Bulls in 2003 were he started at offensive guard.