"I am excited that the Red Dogs acquired Ralph today as a defensive lineman. Ralph brings a wealth of experience to our team. He is going to help us achieve our goals as a team," said Mattiace. "I believe he is focused and he is out to make a statement this year. It is a great fit the Red Dogs and it is a great fit for Ralph Jarvis and we're ready to go to work."
Jarvis,34, has seven years experience in the Arena Football League, he spent last year with the Arizona Rattlers. He began his pro career in 1988 as a third round (78th overall) draft pick of the Chicago Bears. He was then invited to the New York Jets' training camp in 1988 and the Buffalo Bills' 1989 camp. He spent the entire 1990 season with the Indianapolis Colts where he played in nine games including, an all star performance on Monday Night Football vs. Buffalo.
"I am happy to be here and I am looking forward to the '99 season," said Jarvis "New Jersey sounds like it will be a great situation for me. I'm going to do what I have to do to get some wins for the Red Dogs. I am eagerly awaiting the start of the season."
Jarvis began his Arena Football career in 1992 with the Tampa Bay Storm and then moved on to the Massachusetts Marauders in 1994. He played three seasons for the Milwaukee Mustangs (1995-97) prior to being traded to the Rattlers in the beginning of the 1998 campaign. In 1995 he was a member of the All-Arena team and led the Mustangs in sacks with six for 48 yards lost. In 1996 he had his finest season of his career earning All-Arena honors for the second straight season and led the league with 8.5 sacks. Ralph is currently 12 sacks away from the all time total held by Sylvester Bembery of Tampa Bay. He attended college at Temple University where he earned an Associated Press All-East honorable mention as a senior.