With the first official practice on Monday, February 20, the Cleveland Gladiators were assigned LB Tim Cheatwood by the Arena Football League office on Sunday night.

Cheatwood enters his third season with the Gladiators, having also spent the 2010 and 2011 seasons with the team.  In 2011, the Benedictine High School product and former Buckeye appeared in all 18 regular-season games for the Gladiators, totaling 34 tackles, 12.5 sacks for 65 yards, four fumble recoveries, one interception and one touchdown.  For his efforts, Cheatwood garnered Second-Team All-Arena honors following the 2011 season.

“Tim is a special player,” Gladiators Head Coach Steve Thonn said.  “He’s a vocal leader on and off the field and was a major factor in our division championship in 2011.  It’s nice to have veteran leadership, especially on the defensive side of the ball.”

Cheatwood began his professional career in 2002 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League.  In five seasons with Hamilton, Cheatwood appeared in 77 games, recorded 224 tackles and 41 sacks.