Tanner Varner

Tanner Varner (born July 13, 1984) is an American football linebacker for the Qingdao Clipper of the China Arena Football League (CAFL). He first enrolled at Ellsworth Community College before transferring to the University of Northern Iowa. He attended Ottumwa High School in Ottumwa, Iowa. Varner has also been a member of the Arkansas Twisters, Grand Rapids Rampage, Iowa Barnstormers, Philadelphia Soul, Omaha Nighthawks, Kansas City Command, San Jose SaberCats and Orlando Predators.

Varner played high school football for the Ottumwa High School Bulldogs.

Varner first played college football for the Ellsworth Community College Panthers from 2002 to 2003.

Varner transferred to play for the Northern Iowa Panthers of the University of Northern Iowa from 2004 to 2005. He recorded 85.5 tackles and three interceptions his senior year, earning first team All-American and All Gateway Conference honors while being named the Panthers’s most valuable defensive player.

Arkansas Twisters

Varner played for the Arkansas Twisters of the AF2 in 2007. He finished third on the team with 83.5 tackles, recorded nine interceptions, returning one for a touchdown and earning second team All-Conference honors.

Grand Rapids Rampage

Varner signed with the Grand Rapids Rampage on October 30, 2007. He was released by the Rampage on February 23, 2008.

Iowa Barnstormers

Varner played for the Iowa Barnstormers from 2008 to 2010. The Barnstorms were members of the Af2 from 2008 to 2009, before returning to the Arena Football League in 2010. He posted 91 tackles, seven interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2008. He recorded 199.5 tackles, eight interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2009. Varner set an AFL rookie record for tackles in a season with 129.5 total tackles in 2010, earning First Team All-Arena honors. He also ranked fourth in the league with eight interceptions in 2010, returning two for touchdowns.

Philadelphia Soul

Varner was signed by the Philadelphia Soul on December 21, 2010. He recorded 45 total tackles, intercepted five passes, forced a fumble and returned two interceptions for touchdowns in seven games with the Soul in 2011.

Omaha Nighthawks

Varner spent the 2011 UFL season with the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League.

Kansas City Command

Varner was traded to the Kansas City Command on March 14, 2012.

San Jose Sabercats

Varner was traded to the San Jose Sabercats on March 20, 2012. He recorded 63 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions in 12 games for Sabercats in 2012.

Orlando Predators

Varner signed with the Orlando Predators on July 10, 2013. He earned First Team All-Arena honors after recording 68 tackles and five interceptions in 18 games with the Predators in 2014.

Las Vegas Outlaws

Varner was selected by the Las Vegas Outlaws with the first pick of the 2014 Expansion Draft. He became a free agent after the 2015 season.

Qingdao Clipper

Varner was selected by the Qingdao Clipper in the 2016 CAFL Draft.