Arrigoni Hall of Fame
One of the most decorated football players in Iona University history, Kevin Fales was a dominant force as a defensive end from 2000 to 2003. A two-time First Team All-MAAC selection, Fales capped his career with a historic senior season and multiple All-American honors, including recognition from the AFCA I-AA, Sports Network I-AA & I-AA Mid-Major, and Don Hansen’s Football Gazette I-AA Mid-Major teams.
Fales was named the 2003 MAAC Football League Defensive Player of the Year and earned Defensive Lineman of the Year honors from Don Hansen’s Football Gazette. That season, he posted career highs with 80 total tackles, 38 solo stops, 27 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks. His 27 tackles for loss remain a single-season program record, and his 14 sacks rank third in Iona history.
Across 39 career games, Fales totaled 205 tackles, and his final career totals of 65.5 tackles for loss and 36 sacks are still the most and second-most, respectively, in program history.
Prior to his graduation, Fales was awarded the prestigious Joseph O’Connell Award in 2004 as Iona’s most outstanding male student-athlete. He later signed a free-agent contract to play for the New York Jets under head coach Herm Edwards, becoming one of the final Gaels to reach the NFL ranks.
In tribute to his legacy, longtime head coach Fred Mariani named the team’s Most Valuable Lineman Award in Fales’ honor.
After his playing career, Fales transitioned into the business world, building a successful career in sales across the New York metropolitan area and Northern Virginia. He has also remained connected to the sport by mentoring the next generation through coaching youth and high school football, continuing to share the passion, discipline, and leadership that defined his time as a Gael.
