2026 AAL2 Player Highlight JD Lehew

Sam Shady
2 days ago
2 min read

There is one position that is mostly overlooked when it comes to highlights, and that is the offensive line. They are the most blue-collar function on any team, there to make things go as smoothly as possible, play their role, and ensure others can do theirs. Overall, a thankless position, and one that is coveted in the indoor game. Reliable OL are worth their weight in gold. We got to catch up with one of the best to do it in AAL2.

College Career

After spending two years at Bluffton University playing offensive line, JD had a short stint with Rutgers before moving on from college. Although he didn't receive any major looks afterward, the former Division Three standout was overlooked, like many players who rise through the ranks in the AAL2 and beyond.

He would go on to find a spot on Pack Gang, an independent showcase team, which lasted a season. He was determined to elevate, even taking time to play semi-pro in New Jersey for the Central Jersey Knights and for the Columbus Fire in Ohio. Then came the Legends, originally signing to play with them outdoors, before following them into the arena game, a decision he would not regret.

Who is JD Lehew?

JD is an overall team player and a force at right guard for the Ohio Legends. If you watch any Legends game, you'll notice the hard-nosed rushing attack that gives them an edge over most competition. Lehew is a major part of that; the 6’1” 290-pound guard (according to team stats) has over ten pancake blocks on the season. Just like our last player spotlight, he is using the league of opportunity to the fullest.

While he hasn't had much indoor experience prior to this season, he has adjusted well. While talking to him, he was quick to point out the difference in the speed of the game. Just as quickly, emphasizing the coaching he receives from the Legend's staff has been pivotal in making the change. When asked, he told us he is content with where he is, and he wants to continue to develop. Though content, he is very open to moving up to the next level.

Legends in the Making

In our opinion, he is the kind of athlete that any AAL2 team would want on the roster. He, just like his running back, Lynn Townsend II, has a team-first, me-second, do my one-eighth mentality. Guys like Lehew are what make the AAL2 so valuable to the overall landscape of arena and indoor football.

Just twelve months ago, he was a semi-pro player hoping for a chance, and today he is a standout. Not only a standout, but a key piece of what may be the best team in the AAL2 North. Catch him, and the Legends this season. This weekend the Legends take on the Michigan Avengerz in what should be a great game.