AAFL - Anyone Heard of This New Football League?

[Ksyrup]

We had a discussion about that other league hoping to challenge the NFL, but I had not heard of this one until I read this article this morning. This seems like a more solid and realistic idea for a league, IMO.


Article published Jun 27, 2007

<!-- PRINTER FRIENDLY ARTICLE -->New football team may play at FSU
By Steve Ellis
DEMOCRAT SENIOR WRITER


More than Florida State scrimmages may be played in Doak Campbell Stadium next spring. The All-American Football League, which seeks to place professional teams in college towns, has approached Florida State officials about having a team play in the stadium.

Only players with a four-year college degree could participate and each would be paid $100,000 according to FSU Director of Athletics Dave Hart. The 10-game regular season is expected to run from late April into early June. A four-team playoff and July championship game would follow. Five or six games would be played at Doak Campbell Stadium. The league, which plans to field eight teams, originally wanted to debut in 2007 and now is hoping for a spring 2008 start.

"We have made a commitment in principle," Hart said. "If and when this should become a formal entity, we wanted every consideration to be a participant."

The agreement would include a $3 million guarantee. The league would cover game-related expenses and repair any damage to the field.

Former ACC commissioner Gene Corrigan, one of the league's board members, first approached Hart three years ago. Representatives of the league, including board chairman Cedric Dempsey, former NCAA president, met with Hart, FSU President T.K. Wetherell and others in Tallahassee about the possibility more than a year ago. Hart said he was contacted recently by Marcus Katz, financial backer of the league and a former Georgia football player.

According to the AAFL Web site, it has signed option contracts with the University of Tennessee, Purdue and North Carolina State and has a contract with Legion Field in Birmingham. The University of Florida has received a letter of agreement. Many players would come from FSU and area schools.

The first tryouts are in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando next week.

[rkmsuf]

I'm guessing nobody has heard of this.

[Wolfpack]

I've heard of it some. There's been minor discussion on the State board since State seems to be interested in the project and letting the AAFL use Carter-Finley. Some degree of irritation mostly related to the fact that it would be expected that ex-Carolina players would be playing for the team and thus, C-F would be their "home" field.

Can't be any worse than the dear departed Raleigh-Durham Skyhawks of the We-LAFf.

[Ksyrup]

I'm surprised, since we have a bunch of die-hard college football fans and this league appears to be setting up shop in college towns.

If it flops, it'll flop mightily. Can you imagine what even 10K fans would look like in Tennessee's stadium? It would make the WNBA look like Michael Jordan at the Georgia Dome.

[Passacaglia]

I've heard of it. The league's commissioner, Jason White, told me the draft would be October 29.

[Passacaglia]

I'm surprised, since we have a bunch of die-hard college football fans and this league appears to be setting up shop in college towns.

If it flops, it'll flop mightily. Can you imagine what even 10K fans would look like in Tennessee's stadium? It would make the WNBA look like Michael Jordan at the Georgia Dome.

Probably something like graduation day?

[Ajaxab]

My memory could be completely wrong in trying to recall the name of the loon on the Maximum Football board, but this isn't the same Jason "Great" White who wanted to drive around a van full of computers and charge people to play MF was it?

[Ksyrup]

Probably something like graduation day?

Never seen an outdoor graduation of that magnitude. In Florida (at least FSU and UF), graduation is held at the basketball arenas. No one wants to be outside in May in Florida.

[Ksyrup]

My memory could be completely wrong in trying to recall the name of the loon on the Maximum Football board, but this isn't the same Jason "Great" White who wanted to drive around a van full of computers and charge people to play MF was it?

Umm....we need one of *those* smilies.


From Wiki:

"The league was unveiled at a press conference in New York City (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City) on July 26, 2006. Its commissioner is Cedric Dempsey (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedric_Dempsey), former executive director of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Collegiate_Athletic_Association). Prior to that, Dempsey was the longtime athletic director at the University of Arizona (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Arizona). The rest of the league's Board of Directors is an extremely impressive list of sports and private industry individuals."

[Pumpy Tudors]

I've heard of it. The league's commissioner, Jason White, told me the draft would be October 29.
Very nice. Very, very nice.

[John Galt]

Very nice. Very, very nice.

"

Does that mean you can bring your pets to the games?

[Ksyrup]

I imagine the beer tent would go over well with a college crowd and a bunch of recently-graduated football players.

[Passacaglia]

"

Does that mean you can bring your pets to the games?

Yes, and in case the stadium deals don't work, the league is planning on bringing in recreational vehicles left over from The Price is Right.

[molson]

$100k player salaries sounds a little optomistic for a league like this. Unless the rosters have 15 guys each and they play both ways.

[JeeberD]

AAFL just had their inaugural draft. The first overall pick was...OG Zarah Yisreal out of Troy? The third overall pick was QB Eric Crouch?!?!?!?

I guess I'll be rooting for Alabama since they were the only team to draft a Miner...LB Alex Obomese in the fifth round, who almost made the Cowboys roster this year.

Edit: Forgot the PDF link to the draft results...

http://www.allamericanfootballleague.com/2008_AAFL_Draft_Round_by_Round.pdf

[Pumpy Tudors]

Former University of Tennessee and New Orleans VooDoo QB Andy Kelly is coaching the Tennessee team. I'm looking forward to see how he does.

[MrBug708]

David Koral first round pick eh? In High School he once threw over for over 700 yards in a game.

Poor Tee Martin, never lived up to playing in Peyton's shadow.

[ISiddiqui]

So the Florida team picked Eric Kresser in the 1st round and Chris Leak in the 6th? Personally, I think I may have reversed those picks.

[Passacaglia]

AAFL just had their inaugural draft. The first overall pick was...OG Zarah Yisreal out of Troy? The third overall pick was QB Eric Crouch?!?!?!?

I guess I'll be rooting for Alabama since they were the only team to draft a Miner...LB Alex Obomese in the fifth round, who almost made the Cowboys roster this year.

Edit: Forgot the PDF link to the draft results...

http://www.allamericanfootballleague.com/2008_AAFL_Draft_Round_by_Round.pdf

I'd take Yisrael in a heartbeat. The guy is 6030 tall! I don't care if that's feet, inches, or centimeters -- hell, even if that's millimeters, he's a freaking giant!

[Passacaglia]

Former Lions Assistant Coach John Fontes Named AAFL Michigan Coach

Okay, this has potential.

[Passacaglia]

So the Florida team picked Eric Kresser in the 1st round and Chris Leak in the 6th? Personally, I think I may have reversed those picks.

There's an article on their site dated November 27 saying that Chris Leak is going to play for Team Florida. I'm guessing draft position means very little, since teams picked players from their own region anyway.

[ISiddiqui]

There's an article on their site dated November 27 saying that Chris Leak is going to play for Team Florida. I'm guessing draft position means very little, since teams picked players from their own region anyway.

I realize that, but I'd think that for PR purposes, you'd want to trumpet Chris Leak as your 1st round pick.

[MikeVic]

Bobby Blizzard! He ended up being my starting TE in a single-player FOF career for 10+ years when I used an imported draft one year.

Good to see Peter Warrick andRod Smart there too. ;)

Did these guys have to agree to play beforehand or something?

[Passacaglia]

Bobby Blizzard! He ended up being my starting TE in a single-player FOF career for 10+ years when I used an imported draft one year.

Good to see Peter Warrick andRod Smart there too. ;)

Did these guys have to agree to play beforehand or something?

It looks like there were a few tryouts, so I'm assuming that attending those was sort of an agreement to play.

Wasn't Chris Leak drafted?

[Passacaglia]

I mean, in the NFL?

[PilotMan]

One NDSU grad who was picked. This should be at least worth following.

[MikeVic]

I don't see any Canadian University people.

[Passacaglia]

I've never even heard of Canadian University.

[aran]

Wow. For the first 14 posts I thought that this thread was a drawn-out Max Football joke.

[Apathetic Lurker]

i'll cheer for Arkansas and maybe take in a game if the wifey lets me fly down from buffalo

[MikeVic]

I've never even heard of Canadian University.

:p I mean people from Canadian universities.

[Cringer]

Nice to see Texas Tech QBs now have a place to go. Team Texas has two of them, Kingsbury and Symons. Eric Crouch will probably be the starter though.

[Apathetic Lurker]

$100k player salaries sounds a little optomistic for a league like this. Unless the rosters have 15 guys each and they play both ways.

I believe base pay is 50k with a little extra if player is doing pr work for the team. Max players per team is 42 plus 4 TS

[Cringer]

Okay, this has potential.

And Shane Matthews is the head coach of Team Florida, and will have the Run n' Gun offense. Niiiiice! :D

[Hammer755]

Nice to see Texas Tech QBs now have a place to go. Team Texas has two of them, Kingsbury and Symons. Eric Crouch will probably be the starter though.

I really don't understand why Texas took Crouch, especially in the first round. John Jenkins (http://www.allamericanfootballleague.com/Texas/featurednews.php) will be the team's coach, so I'm assuming he'll be using the run 'n shoot, which would seem far more appropriate for the Techsters.

[Passacaglia]

How old is Crouch now, anyway? I'm guessing that at this point, he's not really an option QB.

[k0ruptr]

hell yea, Chad Owens, Lawrence Wilson, and Abe Elimimian - Hawaii represent!

[RedKingGold]

I can't wait to recreate this league in Maximum Football!

[CU Tiger]

HAHA
I had neveer heard of this league until I ran into Woody Dantzler in
a store last week. He told me he was going to be playing for a team in Tennesse in some league.

I kinda discounted it, then come here and see this and sure enough...

Ill follow...loosely

[FBPro]

I heard 2 days ago from a customer @ work that Andy Kelly (of indoor fame and a UTenn grad) that he is going to coach the Tennessee team.

[Lonnie]

eh.. I signed up for the Team Texas newsletter. I'll follow them for a while.

[14ers]

Good to see Peter Warrick and Rod Smart there too. ;)
I can not believe Peter Warrick graduated after his shop lifting incident.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I heard 2 days ago from a customer @ work that Andy Kelly (of indoor fame and a UTenn grad) that he is going to coach the Tennessee team.
The VooDoo and the Arena Football League in general will miss his leadership, but yeah, I'm hoping that Andy does a really good job down there in the AAFL.

[Honolulu Blue]

Looks like a OPU to me.

[Passacaglia]

Wow. For the first 14 posts and post #38 I thought that this thread was a drawn-out Max Football joke.

Fixed.

[Ksyrup]

I'm wondering if the NFL is hoping this will become a homegrown minor league. The NFL is allowing them to use NFL refs, so it seems pretty clear they don't view this league as competition.

[Cringer]

I'm wondering if the NFL is hoping this will become a homegrown minor league. The NFL is allowing them to use NFL refs, so it seems pretty clear they don't view this league as competition.

It's a summer league with no NFLE around now, it has a structured salary system, it's no problem for the NFL I am guessing. Anything that is below them and helps develop possible new talent is a good thing for the NFL I would think.

[Ksyrup]

Anyone see any specific info about televising these games? On their website, so far I've found only this:

"The League is exploring the possibility of broadcasting games through a private network that might eliminate TV timeouts for commercial purposes. Although the League expects all or some League games will appear on commercial TV, fans that purchase "memberships" in their teams might have the option of accessing all games on the League‘s private network."

and

"The League intends that each League team will sell memberships to its fans and supporters. Members may be entitled to renewable season tickets in preferred locations, preferred parking, and other "insider" benefits. The League also hopes to provide Members access to high-definition private broadcasts of League games."


So no mention of possible "commercial TV" partners, but it sounds like they'd basically try to sell you a membership that would give you access to televised games? Are they basically looking at the DirecTV/NFL deal as the format for a membership to the league? I assume this type of membership would be different than those who live near the teams and would get season tickets. It's not like Joe Schmoe in Nebraska is going to want to pay for tickets to games he can't go to just to be able to watch the games on TV.

Without a large commercial TV audience, this league will never be anything more than a limited, local entertainment product. Although maybe that's all they are looking for - basically a AAA football product that is embraced by the states they are in, with a national following gravy.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Without a large commercial TV audience, this league will never be anything more than a limited, local entertainment product. Although maybe that's all they are looking for - basically a AAA football product that is embraced by the states they are in, with a national following gravy.
I think this is exactly what they're going for. I'm still not sure if it will really work, but I don't think national exposure is something that they're focusing on right now. As far as getting started, this league seems to be doing everything right, in my opinion. They're getting guys to play and coach in the stadiums where they were popular, and I believe that they've found a way to attract fans in those areas. Most importantly, they're doing this without an on-field gimmick. As far as I know, there are no drastic rule changes, no screwing with the size of the field, no odd substitution rules (think back to how NFL Europa required each team to have a non-American on the field at all times). It's just football with names that are familiar to the local fans.

I can't say that I'll really follow this league, but I think it has a good foundation. They just have to avoid screwing it up somehow.

[MikeVic]

I think Isiah Thomas is the commissioner.

[Ksyrup]

I think this is exactly what they're going for. I'm still not sure if it will really work, but I don't think national exposure is something that they're focusing on right now. As far as getting started, this league seems to be doing everything right, in my opinion. They're getting guys to play and coach in the stadiums where they were popular, and I believe that they've found a way to attract fans in those areas. Most importantly, they're doing this without an on-field gimmick. As far as I know, there are no drastic rule changes, no screwing with the size of the field, no odd substitution rules (think back to how NFL Europa required each team to have a non-American on the field at all times). It's just football with names that are familiar to the local fans.

I can't say that I'll really follow this league, but I think it has a good foundation. They just have to avoid screwing it up somehow.

I'd be willing to give it a shot, but I wouldn't pay extra to watch the games on TV. The games will be on Saturdays - not sure if they'll be afternoon/evening. But the only sport I'd be watching during their season is baseball, and there's enough down time during baseball games that I could fairly easily watch both at the same time. And if it's on Saturday afternoon, the only baseball game in town is on Fox. Even those of us with the baseball package are blacked out of the rest of the afternoon games. So there's a chance they could do fairly well with a national broadcast.

The only "gimmick" I hope they put into the games is being more liberal about TD celebrations.

[rkmsuf]

get some guys right from high school in there. then it will be somewhat interesting.

[MikeVic]

Or go after other athletes from major sports. We can have two-sport guys out the wazoo.

[rkmsuf]

Or go after other athletes from major sports. We can have two-sport guys out the wazoo.


get that beckham guy out there. he could use a little toughening up.

[MikeVic]

get that beckham guy out there. he could use a little toughening up.

Julio Franco can still be a punter or kicker. Beckham could be a FS. Oliver Miller an O-lineman, and combine Randy Johnson and Zdeno Chara as two CBs.

[rkmsuf]

Julio Franco can still be a punter or kicker. Beckham could be a FS. Oliver Miller an O-lineman, and combine Randy Johnson and Zdeno Chara as two CBs.

I'm putting Wolf from American Gladiators at middle linebacker.

[MikeVic]

I'm putting Wolf from American Gladiators at middle linebacker.

Good choice. He can be the Brady of the defense, with his great looks and all. Justice seems pretty intense too. He can be OLB.

[MikeVic]

I think Mario Lopez has to get a spot on the team too. QB and SS.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I heard that they're gonna have naked cheerleaders, but don't quote me on that.

[MikeVic]

I heard that they're gonna have naked cheerleaders, but don't quote me on that.

Too late, I'm quoting you.

[Dr. Sak]

I think Mario Lopez has to get a spot on the team too. QB and SS.

He was great for the Bayside Tigers.

[RomaGoth]

I had heard about this league last summer but forgot about it until I saw this thread. Not sure what that means.....:eek:

Any league with Jason White and a member of the Fontes family has to succeed!!!! :rolleyes:

[rkmsuf]

I heard that they're gonna have naked cheerleaders, but don't quote me on that.

So like the NFL is to Randy Moss as the AAFL is to Peter Warrick.

So that means Kirsty Alley is an AAFL cheerleader.

[RomaGoth]

He was great for the Bayside Tigers.

That could be true, but did they ever show him actually playing? I think he was probably better at stuffing nerds into lockers. Just a hunch. ;)

[MikeVic]

He was great for the Bayside Tigers.

Exactly. Sean Astin could be a DE too I guess.

[MikeVic]

That could be true, but did they ever show him actually playing? I think he was probably better at stuffing nerds into lockers. Just a hunch. ;)

They showed him run in for a winning TD one episode I think.

[RomaGoth]

So like the NFL is to Randy Moss as the AAFL is to Peter Warrick.

So that means Kirsty Alley is an AAFL cheerleader.

Is this the Kirstie Alley of "Cheers", or the Kirstie Alley of "Veronica's Closet"? (I had to look up the show, I couldn't remember the name, and yes, that show was horrible). The point is, she was hot on Cheers and fat/disgusting,......well....., ever since Cheers.

[MikeVic]

Look Who's Talking Too.

[rkmsuf]

Is this the Kirstie Alley of "Cheers", or the Kirstie Alley of "Veronica's Closet"? (I had to look up the show, I couldn't remember the name, and yes, that show was horrible). The point is, she was hot on Cheers and fat/disgusting,......well....., ever since Cheers.

well peter warrick was good in college and now is playing for the aafl

[RomaGoth]

They showed him run in for a winning TD one episode I think.

I never understood why Zac was so cool on that show. He didn't play football or anything, he just lounged around the school and did nothing. For crying out loud, his best friend was Screech. How is THAT cool? :confused:

[RomaGoth]

Look Who's Talking Too.

Forgot about that movie.

[MikeVic]

Is Eric Crouch the Michael Vick then?

[RomaGoth]

Is Eric Crouch the Michael Vick then?

I dunno, is Crouch in prison?

[MikeVic]

I never understood why Zac was so cool on that show. He didn't play football or anything, he just lounged around the school and did nothing. For crying out loud, his best friend was Screech. How is THAT cool? :confused:

Because he had a brick cell phone and cool hair. He was very creative in his little hijinks. I guess he won the respect of his peers.

[Pumpy Tudors]

And Chris Leak can be Rex Grossman?

[MikeVic]

I dunno, is Crouch in prison?

I don't think so. Maybe Crouch is the Kordell Stewart.

[Dr. Sak]

Because he had a brick cell phone and cool hair. He was very creative in his little hijinks. I guess he won the respect of his peers.

Teen line....Nitro here....

[Pumpy Tudors]

Teen line....Nitro here....
lol

[rkmsuf]

Ricky Williams would like to know what the drug policy is.

[rkmsuf]

Teen line....Nitro here....

what's the one with Solei Moon Fry's big tits in it?

[Pumpy Tudors]

what's the one with Solei Moon Fry's big tits in it?
That's the episode where Screech sells spaghetti sauce made with his grandmother's recipe. Of course, the problem was that Screech's grandmother got the recipe from the "Betsy Crocker" cookbook.

[rkmsuf]

That's the episode where Screech sells spaghetti sauce made with his grandmother's recipe. Of course, the problem was that Screech's grandmother got the recipe from the "Betsy Crocker" cookbook.

ah, very good. I'm impressed with your skills.

[Dr. Sak]

Could Bob Golic be a coach?

[MikeVic]

Who's Solei Moon Fry?

[MikeVic]

Could Bob Golic be a coach?

Yes. Are we close to a full team yet? Ricky Williams could be our RB, pending drug policy.

[Dr. Sak]

Who's Solei Moon Fry?



Punky Brewster

[Pumpy Tudors]

Punky Brewster
with tits

[rkmsuf]

The one where they make the workout video was on the other day. Was captivated for 2 minutes. No idea what the story was on that one, just remember the video they make.

[rkmsuf]

with tits

major bazongas

"top notch...top notch!!!!!"

[Dr. Sak]

Ox and Moose would be the start of a good offensive line.

[MikeVic]

Ox and Moose would be the start of a good offensive line.

I agree.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Somehow, I imagine the black nerd as a little scatback.

[Dr. Sak]

The team mascot could be Hounddog!

[MikeVic]

Somehow, I imagine the black nerd as a little scatback.

The one with the gravel-y voice?

[Pumpy Tudors]

The one with the gravel-y voice?
Yep, that's the one.

[MikeVic]

I don't see Screech filling a position at all. Maybe some kind of coach or something. His robot can help with the plays and they can be like that geeky kid in Little Giants. The Annexation of Puerto Rico could be a mainstay in the playbook.

[MikeVic]

Speaking of, you'd think the girl wouldn't like the nickname of Ice Box later on in life.

[Dr. Sak]

How about that stupid song they had when Screech's reptile died?

[MikeVic]

How about that stupid song they had when Screech's reptile died?

Is that when A.C. was the lizard in someone's imagination? And he was all imitating the lizard?

[bryce]

FWIW, I *think* Mark Cuban is an investor in this new league, actually. If someone mentioned that already, my apologies, but I didn't see it.

[nfg22]

To clear up the TV situation. As I understand it they will try and have all games broadcast on TV but then have their own network for a comercial free viewing. I imagine this network would have more benefits too. The point being I believe the games will be for all to see.

[MikeVic]

Won't there still be TV timeouts then? What will happen during those? Show random players?

[Ksyrup]

Throw another hat into the ring....

(From MMQB)

Sounds like the United Football League is going to happen in 2009. Prospective UFL commissioner Michael Huyghue told agents the other day it will be an eight-team league (he said six owners, including Mark Cuban, are already in place), beginning in August 2009. The details were sketchy from there, but some agents reported that the minimum salary would be $75,000, the league would go after existing NFL personnel people and assistant coaches to be the league's GMs and head coaches, and the league would try to sign some of the 30th through 43rd players on NFL rosters for slightly more money than they'd make in the big league.

[JonInMiddleGA]

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/news/story?id=3279907

ATLANTA -- On the 25th anniversary of the USFL's first game, another upstart professional football league is facing an uncertain future.

The new All American Football League will have to postpone its 2008 season unless it finds new financial backing.

The announcement Thursday came less than a week before camps were to open for the six-team league.

The league, which held its inaugural draft in January, has rosters and staffs in place for six teams: Detroit; Little Rock, Ark; Gainesville, Fla.; Birmingham, Ala.; Knoxville, Tenn., and Houston.

Training camps were scheduled to open Wednesday, followed by the first games in April.

The league will push its plans back to 2009 unless it secures a TV deal or other funding.

The league announced Thursday it was exploring "multiple financing options" to address its funding crisis.

The AAFL was formed to fill the void created when the NFL shut down NFL Europe earlier this year after 16 seasons. The league was losing a reported $30 million a season, and now the AAFL, lacking a TV deal, also faces a financial crisis before it can stage its first game.

Among the first players drafted on Jan. 26 were quarterbacks Bryan Randall, by Tennessee, and Eric Crouch, by Texas. Former Troy offensive lineman Zarah Yisrael was drafted No. 1 overall by Arkansas.

According to a statement released by the league, the AAFL's financial crisis is tied to the national subprime mortgage crisis.

League CEO Marcus Katz co-founded a company that provides student loans.

The statement said camps would open Wednesday "if liquidity can be immediately restored."

If not, plans for an inaugural season will be pushed back to 2009.

Several calls to AAFL spokesman Risa Balayem were not immediately returned.

[molson]

This silly league was shooting (and talking) way too high from the very beginning.

You can't just throw a bunch of random teams together, fill them with players and expect a lot of excitement. There needs to be some kind of hook to make people care about the teams. It took years to build that up in other sports. Minor league sports work in part because of the affiliations with big league teams.

The first thing any "upstart" league needs is defined territories - where a Georgia franchise, for example, would have first dibs on players that played college there.

[rkmsuf]

Hardly knew ye?

How about NEVER knew ye.

[sooner333]

The first thing any "upstart" league needs is defined territories - where a Georgia franchise, for example, would have first dibs on players that played college there.

This actually did happen. The problem was that nobody any good wanted to play. They offered bigger money to the players to hope to get good people...it didn't work out and now nobody was interested.

The other league has a better shot because it has bigger money and Cuban behind it. I don't know if their model will work to try to get the talent, but it's probably better than requiring all of their players to have a college degree.