Columbia Vipers

The Pro I'm Professional!

We would like to shoutout our All-Star Defensive Back, Jaivon McDaniel, who showed up at showed out at his Arena Football tryout.

The 6'3 210lb athlete attended Battle High School in Columbia, Mo. There, McDaniel helped his team win 3 District Championships.

Jaivon played for the Vipers in 2024 earning All-Star honors as a 1st year player. McDaniel never gave up over 30 yards or a touchdown in any game and also contributed on offense scoring 2 receiving touchdowns.

It's no surprise Jaivon reached the Arena level after only returning to football in 2024. He didn't let it be known that he wanted to play Pro ball with his words. More-So with his actions. Organizing extra practices to get in more DB work. Following a strict workout regime. We knew if given the opportunity, he would take full advantage of it.

Vipers Ownership: Over the years, your Columbia Vipers have made it a priority to showcase talent. Not only do we give these young men another chance to play football, but we also try to help them reach their goals. Over the years, some former Vipers have been given the opportunity to play college ball. Others have received opportunities to play professional ball at the arena level and even overseas. We acknowledge that losing players like this leads to down years (like this year), however, our goal isn't for players to stay here forever. We want all of our players who want to go to college or higher to reach their goal. We are EXTREMELY proud of Jaivon and Robert and look forward to watching them dominate for the Ozark Lunkers.

Good luck gentlemen. Go Vipers! Go Lunkers

From Viper to Lunker!

We are extremely proud of Robert "BIG ROB" Saunders journey. Robert joined the Columbia Vipers in 2023, earning All-Star honors in both years, and was named a Team Captain in 2024. The 6’5” 325lb lineman earned 1st team All District for Fayette HS as a Defensive Tackle. Saunders also earned 2nd Team All State and started for the Blue-Grey All American team.

Robert let it be known he had aspirations to play collegiate or professional football. With his efforts on the field and in the weight room, it was only a matter of time

Vipers Ownership: Over the years, your Columbia Vipers have made it a priority to showcase talent. Not only do we give these young men another chance to play football, but we also try to help them reach their goals. Over the years, some former Vipers have been given the opportunity to play college ball. Others have received opportunities to play professional ball at the arena level and even overseas. We acknowledge that losing players like this leads to down years (like this year), however, our goal isn't for players to stay here forever. We want all of our players who want to go to college or higher to reach their goal. We are EXTREMELY proud of Jaivon and Robert and look forward to watching them dominate for the Ozark Lunkers.

Good luck gentlemen. Go Vipers! Go Lunkers

Happy St. Patrick's day from us at the Columbia Vipers!!!!

The Columbia Vipers welcome back their All-Time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, Buron Bell. The 5'7 175lb athlete attended Eagle River HS in Alaska. There, he went on to break the school rushing record for the Wolves. He was also a member of the men's basketball team and holds the schools three-point record.

Buron went on to play Running Back for Central Methodist University. There, he found his love for catching the ball and developed into a dual threat athlete. Bell was set to transfer and play for the University of Missouri Tigers but took a break from football to focus on family.

Bell returned to football, but this time, as a Wide Receiver. In his 1st year back, he put up touchdowns against top teams like the Joplin Crusaders, Missouri Ravens, Oklahoma Bears, and Missouri Cyclones.

Buron stated, "I dont just promote Sports Performance. I live it! I do this so my clients see that my hard work translates to the field. I do this because I love it when my athletes' hard work pays off in their sport."

Buron is also the owner of Bellevation Sports Performance with his brother Malcolm Bell. This is where a lot of the Vipers get in shape for the season.

Welcome back, Buron Bell.

The Columbia Vipers welcome back Quarterback and Tightend, Jarel Hyler. Hyler attended Battle HS and put up an impressive resume in multiple sports. The 6'2 245lb Hyler is a 1x Class 5 State Champion and 4x District Champion in football. Jerel earned multiple All-District honors as a Defensive End and Tight End and went on to play Defensive End for Washburn University.

Jarel also put up impressive numbers in baseball while also being named to the Class 5 District 8 All-District Basketball Team, his senior season.

Jarel helped bring his winning ways to the Vipers. Originally filling in on both sides of the ball, Jarel made the switch to offense full-time and posted clutch catches from the Tightend and Wide Receiver position. Hyler started 2 games last season leading the team to 2 victories with those starts. Welcome back, Jarel Hyler!

The Columbia Vipers welcome back dominant Offensive and Defensive Lineman, Jamal Brown! Brown, the son of former NFL defensive lineman, Gilbert "The Gravedigger" Brown, made an immediate impact on a young Vipers team, earning All-Star honors last season. Jamal originally played in Houston, Texas, for the Texas Red Raiders winning 9 Championships; 5 league titles and 4 Nattys.

Jamal went to Lawrence High School in Kansas, where he earned All-State honors, All-Conference honors twice (Sunflower League), and All-Area honors .

Jamal was a two year starter at Coffeyville Community College earning All-Conference his sophomore year. Brown then attended Kansas (KU) briefly but transferred to Northern Michigan University, where he earned All-Conference again, as well as well as GLIAC New-Comer of the Year! Brown was named team captain his senior season and once again earned All-Conference honors. Welcome back, Jamal Brown!

The Columbia Vipers welcome newcomer Blake Oakley. Blake is an accomplished Long Snapper who has worked with a variety of professional Special Teamers such as Lions Punter Jack Fox, former NFL Kicker Neil Rackers, and former NFL Punter David Brader. Oakley worked with other collegiate and NFL coaches to hone his skills, which helped him lead Lincolns' Field Goal unit to its most accurate season (2022) in the university's history.

Blake earned MIAA (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association) Academic Honor Roll and Academic All-Conference for Lincoln. Prior to that, the Warrenton HS product earned Special Teams Player of the Year, playing primary long snapper on Punts and Field Goals without an errant snap.
Blake said: "I can punt as well and have some experience holding for field goals. I also played some safety, but it is not my preferred or most productive position. I believe I still have a lot to offer if given an opportunity. I think it's awesome that the Vipers are giving players like myself the opportunity to continue playing."

Welcome to the team, Blake Oakley.

The Columbia Vipers welcome back former Arena Football player and 3x Champion, Jesse Jordan.

Jesse was a star Running Back at Rockford East HS, averaging over 150 yards his freshman and sophomore years. Jordan transferred to Rockford Jefferson HS after his sophomore year and shined at Linebacker.

Jordan hit the ground running in the minors, winning 3 championships and earning multiple All-Star Honors as a Running Back and Strong Saftey. Jesse's best play at Running Back came with the Hannibal Falcons as he helped the team notch a 46-6 record during his time there. Jordan dominated their 10-1 Championship season, rushing for over 1000 yards, and went on to achieve a dream of his, making it to the arena level.

Jesse has been a consistent defensive playmaker the past few seasons, and we are excited to have him back. Welcome back, Jesse Jordan.

The Wide Receiver room just got a bit deeper as we welcome back Michael Hayden. The 6'4" 215lb Hayden has been a consistent deep threat for every team he's played for. Michael played football his freshman and sophomore years, starting varsity at Running Back and Defensive Back. Michael also qualified for the AAU Jr Olympics for the 200m and 400m. He then went to state and finished 3rd in open 100m, 2nd in open 400m with a 47.9 time.

His high school career got cut short as he moved to a small town that didn't have football.

Hayden stated: "Man, I'm excited to be a part of this Viper family. After having football taken away last season, I'm looking forward to playing with the new guys and young guys and becoming a part of the family again. I have 10 years of balling in the minors, but I'm really excited to join this young Vipers team. In 2022 and 2023, I rocked with the defense, but I find it only fitting to play WR for my last year playing. Every team I've played Wide Receiver for, I have been to main deep threat. I've been training and can't wait to use this big body and speed 🏃🏽💨."

Welcome back, Michael Hayden

The Columbia Vipers Minor Football Team need your help again. You helped us find families in need so we can brighten their holidays. Now we need your help in finding more players that have a passion for football. Columbia, if you know any football players 18+ that want to continue their football journey, get film for college or above, or just play for fun, please send them our way.
The Vipers went 7-2 last season and have sent a lot of players too college, and the professional level. ALL POSITIONS ARE OPEN❗️but we are looking for dedicated linemen, another Quarterback, Kicker, and experienced coaches to join us as we gear up for an exciting season!

Why Join Us❓️
Be Part of a Brotherhood: Football
is more than a game - it's about
teamwork, discipline, and camaraderie
Join a group of players and coaches
who share your passion and drive.

🏈Develop Your Skills: We are looking to continue our winning ways BUT our goal is to help players have fun playing the game they love and reach the highest level they possibly can.

⬆️Compete at Higher level: Our talent has either played Arena, Collegiate, or at a high level in high school. If you want to play at a higher level, then come get your film and ball out.

🏘Community Impact: Represent your
community and inspire the next
generation of football players.

How to Apply: Potential players and coaches, message the Columbia Vipers page your football resume, highlights, coaching philosophy, etc. You can also email us at [email protected].

Thank you Columbia. We hope to see you in April. Season schedules with times and location will be released soon.