Prince Umanmielen was a key figure on a big-play defensive unit for the 2024 East Central University football team.
The all-conference defensive end finished his senior season with 31 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and four quarterback sacks.
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So it came as no surprise to ECU head coach John Litrenta when he learned Umanmielen had helped lead the Albany Firebirds to the 2025 Arena Football One championship.
The Firebirds jumped out to a big early lead, then held off the Southwest Kansas Storm for a thrilling 60-57 victory to capture the Arena crown. The Arena Crown was hosted by MVP Arena in Albany, New York.
“Prince is doing exactly what we all thought he would do — play great ball and be a champion. I’m proud of him and the journey he has been on,” Litrenta told The Ada News.
Umanmielen was a late addition to the Arena Football League. He got the call from Albany head coach Damon Ware in May — despite the Firebirds’ season beginning in late March.
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His AFL opportunity was born at the 2025 Podyum All-Star Bowl. Umanmielen was named the Defensive MVP of that contest, held in January at Tropical Park Stadium in Miami, Florida.
East Central Defensive Line coach Mike Ingram was instrumental in getting Umanmielen a spot in the Podyum All-Star Bowl.
“After our season ended and knowing that my graduation was in December, it was time to start looking for all-star games to get invited to. With the help of Coach Ingram and by the grace of God, I was able to get invited to the Podyum Bowl,” Umanmilen told The Ada News.
“I had a great game there and the coach of the team I played against was Coach Ware. I received a call in the middle of May from him about an opportunity and by the grace of God, it ended with me hoisting up a trophy at the end of June.”
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Umanmielen recorded a big sack in the Arena Crown contest and left his mark on the game. It was an experience he now cherishes.
“In the championship game, I made an explosive play on 4th-and-2 right before halftime that was a momentum changer — at least that’s how it felt to me,” he said. “From running down the field on kickoff and being called upon for a kickoff return and being on the hands team in a clutch time situation — it was a blessing to be a part of it.”
Litrenta was thrilled that one of his prize pupils got the opportunity to win a title.
“He developed a lot here under coach Ingram, on and off the field, and that put him in the position he is now. It’s a testament to him, so a lot of that credit goes to those two for the relationship they created,” Litrenta said. “It doesn’t surprise me to see the impact he’s made so quickly with the Albany Firebirds. I wish him nothing but continual success — Once a Tiger, always a Tiger. He is setting a great example for all the players on our roster now, just like the leader he was when he was here.”
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Umanmielen now plans to try out for the United Football League this fall. Until then, he’ll continue to adhere to a strict training regimen. He also intends to make an appearance or two at Norris Field during the upcoming season.
“I plan on coming to see my brothers in Ada win some ball games for sure,” he said.
