2026 AAL2 Player Highlight: Tristan Gould

While the AAL2 is known as the land of opportunity in the wild world of arena football, it’s also a place where athletes rebuild, reinvent, and prove themselves all over again. Tristan Gould is a perfect example.

The 5’10”, 210-pound running back has already experienced the professional ranks with the Salina Liberty, but now continues carving out his name as one of the top developmental players in arena football.

What initially caught our attention about Tristan wasn’t just his film — it was his professionalism, humility, and dedication both on and off the field. Transitioning from football pads to a dress shirt and a middle school classroom isn’t easy, but Gould makes it look natural. When approached about this spotlight opportunity, he responded with humility and gratitude, but the deeper story is what truly stood out.

If you ask around and look beyond the stat sheet, you quickly discover a player who brings toughness, versatility, leadership, and a team-first mentality into every situation.

College and Professional Career

Although Gould didn’t have the opportunity to pursue traditional college football, he never let that kill his love for the game. Instead, he continued competing through club football while earning his degree in Criminal Justice from Kennesaw State University.

That determination eventually opened the door to professional arena football with the Salina Liberty in 2022 and 2023 during the organization’s CIF years. In 2022, Gould helped lead the Salina Liberty to the franchise’s very first — and currently only — championship, earning Championship MVP honors during the title run.

Today, that experience separates him from many players at the developmental level. His understanding of the game allows him to impact more than just the box score. Turn on the film, and you’ll see a running back who embraces physicality. Whether carrying the football, picking up blitzes, or lining up as a blocking fullback, Gould plays with the same aggressive, downhill mentality every snap.

That mentality has translated into success with the Peach State Cats. Through five games this season, Gould has contributed to 5 touchdowns while also doing the dirty work that doesn’t always show up on highlight reels — blocking over the middle, protecting teammates, and creating opportunities for others to score.

Tristan Gould: Winning On and Off the Field

No matter where football takes him next, Gould represents the type of player, teammate, and leader every organization wants in its locker room.

Off the field, he balances professional football with another demanding role: middle school Special Education teacher. Alongside teaching, Gould is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Adaptive Special Education at Western Governors University.

Balancing football, education, leadership, and graduate studies is a challenge most people could never manage — but if his performance on the field is any indication, Tristan Gould continues to thrive under pressure.

Huge thanks to Tristan Gould and Coach James Moreland for giving us the opportunity to learn more about both the player and the man behind the helmet.

If you would like to learn more about Tristan Gould and the Peach State Cats tune in each Thursday night for "Defend the Cats 'Chat'".