Mahop Named AFCA NAIA All-American

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Joey Mahop etched his name into the Roosevelt record books as the first defensive player in program history to be named an NAIA All-American by the American Football Coaches Association, the organization announced Wednesday.

The cornerback from Longview, Texas was named to a third-team All-American by the AFCA, becoming just the fifth player in program history to earn that distinction. Mahop was a terror on the ball for opposing offenses, leading the Mid-States Football Association Midwest League with six interceptions and 13 passes defended. Those totals were good enough to land him in the top-three nationally in both categories after the regular season.

Mahop's interceptions often came at critical moments for the Lakers, helping them turn the momentum of the game en route to a 6-4 campaign. The junior had three interceptions against Siena Heights to lead Roosevelt to its first win of the season then added a pick against then-No. 4 Indiana Wesleyan to put the Lakers in the lead at halftime. He then jumpstarted the Lakers at Olivet Nazarene with a 40-yard pick-six late in the first quarter.

This marks the fifth consecutive year the Lakers have had a player honored by the AFCA during the All-American process. The last two seasons, Roosevelt has had a player named to the honorable mention team, and previously Ke'von Johnson was a two-time All-American selection in 2019 and 2020.