Brasil Onças’ WR Rodrigo ‘Vinny’ Pons announces his retirement

Pons was selected as Brazil’s MVP in the match against South Korea. Photo Salão Oval/Victor Francisco

Wide receiver Rodrigo “Vinny” Pons, one of the original members of the Brasil Onças, has announced his retirement from football. Pons issued the statement after Brazil’s final game in the 2015 IFAF World Championship, in Canton, Ohio, USA, a loss to Australia.

Pons is one of seven remaining players from Brazil’s first national team that was formed in 2007 to play against Uruguay in Montevideo. The Brazilian star finished his brilliant career with the national team having scored six touchdowns.

In his playing career, Pons played with the Rio de Janeiro Imperadores, Fluminense Imperadores, Porto Alegre Pumpkins and Flamengo FA. He was champion with the Imperadores in the first edition of the Torneio Touchdown and the former Liga Brasileira de Futebol Americano (actual CBFA Brazilian Championship), in seasons 2009 and 2011, respectively.

When asked by the Futebol Americano Brasil and American Football International if he’ll move on to coaching or managing a team, Pons was honest:

“My plan is to continue with my life and follow American football as a fan”.