Royals Football: Building More Than Players — Building Futures

Everett Royals Organization Continues to Develop Players, Coaches, and Leaders Beyond the Game

EVERETT, Wash. — For the past six years, the Everett Royals football organization has built a reputation for being more than just a competitive football program. The organization has become a developmental platform where players, coaches, and staff members grow both on and off the field, with several individuals moving on to collegiate, professional, and leadership opportunities within the sport.

Since its founding, the Royals have focused on creating an environment centered on mentorship, leadership, and opportunity. Through that commitment, a number of former Royals members have gone on to pursue careers at higher levels of football as well as success in business and community leadership.

One of the most notable examples is Miguel Morga, who began his journey with the Royals as a player during the 2022 season. After demonstrating strong leadership and organizational skills, Morga stepped into the role of General Manager for the Royals the following year, helping guide the program’s development and operations.

Today, Morga has continued his football journey at the professional level as a co-owner of the Washington Wolfpack, an arena football team based in Everett.

The Royals have also played a role in developing coaching talent. Coach J.R. Wells served as the team’s Offensive Coordinator, where he helped shape the team’s offensive strategy and player development efforts in the 2023 season. Wells has since advanced to the professional level and now serves as the Head Coach of the Washington Wolfpack, competing in Arena Football One.

Several Royals players have also continued their careers beyond the organization.

Deshon Williams, who began with the Royals, later signed with the Seattle Seahawks before continuing his professional career with the New Orleans Saints. Williams now returns to Washington as the WR1for the Washington Wolfpack.

Other former Royals athletes currently competing with the Washington Wolfpack include:

• Brian Sarnowski, linebacker

• Rodney Raines, quarterback

• Adam Cruse, quarterback

• Wyatt Paul, kicker

The organization’s impact also extends beyond football careers. Former Royals player Kelechi Jones, who joined the team during the 2024–2025 season, has since become a business owner, highlighting the program’s emphasis on leadership and development outside of the sport.

For younger athletes, the Royals have also served as a pathway to collegiate opportunities. Former Royals players Isaiah and Isaac Ellison went on to continue their football careers at the University of British Columbia following their time with the team during the 2022 season. Isaiah currently plays cornerback, while Isaac contributes as a wide receiver.

These stories represent the larger mission of the Everett Royals organization.

“Our goal has always been to help players grow not only as athletes, but as leaders and individuals prepared for the next stage of life,” Mike Thomas said. “Football is the platform, but the purpose is development.”

As the Royals continue to build their program, the organization remains committed to supporting athletes, coaches, and staff members as they pursue opportunities both within the sport and beyond it.

For the Everett Royals, the impact of the program goes far beyond the final whistle.

Football is only the beginning.