Carl Greene Hometown Hero inks Professional Arena Contract with Blue Devils

Rhode Island’s own Carl Greene from East Greenwich has officially taken the next step in his football journey, signing a professional arena football contract with the Blue Devils, based in Syracuse, New York. The signing marks a full-circle moment for the Hendricken Alum and East Greenwich native, who finished at Umass Dartmouth. Carl is now returning to upstate New York—just 20 minutes north of where he once suited up for Cortland State, one of Division III’s football powerhouses. 7 hours away from East Greenwich. Bishop hendricken continues to be a football powerhouse in Rhode Island.

Greene’s story is one of perseverance, athleticism, and relentless self-belief. A Bishop Hendricken High School graduate from East Greenwich, Rhode Island, Greene was an All-State sprinter and a three-sport athlete who excelled in both football, rugby and track. Known for his freakish athletic traits, he clocked a 4.47-second 40-yard dash and put up 18 reps at 225 pounds during his pro day performance numbers that would turn heads at any level. But the world of professional football is ruthless and unforgiving.

Regardless Greene is excited.

“I am just going to work hard, pray hard and control what I can control, I’ll just keep showing up and working hard and I’ll meet God halfway.” I asked Carl how he continues to have had the drive to keep going, his college career being nothing but the ordinary. Greene simply replied “I just pray hard and let God do the rest, I just keep working hard and control what I can control I stay ready so I don’t have to get ready, I give my work ethic to my Grandpa and Uncle, they went from job to job and working nonstop. I get it from them, must run in the family it inspires me to go harder.”

His college journey was anything but ordinary. Greene spent time at three programs—beginning at the University of Rhode Island (Division I), transferring to SUNY Cortland, and finally finishing his career at UMass Dartmouth, where he was a role player.

Off the field, Carl built a name for himself as one of the few Division III athletes to land a significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal. Greene has become a force on social media, amassing tens of thousands of followers across platforms. According to @WhatUpRhody, he’s one of the biggest D3 names in Rhode Island sports history, with his NIL total salary valuation remaining undisclosed.

Greene’s momentum began to skyrocket following standout performances at senior bowl showcases. He earned invites to both the FCS Bowl in Daytona Beach and the Dream Bowl in Dallas, Texas, where he proved he belonged among top-tier competition. At the Dream Bowl, Greene turned heads with a blazing 40 time, a 30-yard breakaway run, four tackles, and a fumble recovery—impressive numbers for one of just four Division III players in attendance.

Since then, he’s continued to chase the game at a global level—playing internationally and performing at venues like AT&T Stadium in front of professional scouts. Though opportunities came close, Greene remained unsigned until the Blue Devils came calling. Greene has had games in Canada and Jamaica with his international team based out of Dallas Texas.

Now under head coach AJ Macomber, Greene and the Blue Devils will compete this upcoming season at the Toyota Coliseum in Syracuse, New York. The team is set to face opponents including the Pittsburgh Outlaws, Southern New Jersey Panthers, St. Paul Bears, and Wisconsin Aviators.

While Greene has yet to see official action for the Blue Devils, expectations are high for the Rhode Island native whose journey has inspired countless young athletes chasing the dream from smaller schools and smaller states. Greene joins a handful from Rhode Island to make it at any level. Names include Kwity Paye. Xavier Truss and in particular Nolan Cooney from East Greenwich to play professional football in recent memory any level.