ALL AMERICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE® POSTPONES INAUGURAL SEASON UNTIL 2009

For Immediate ReleaseMarch 13, 2008

ATLANTA, GA – The All American Football League (AAFL) announced today the postponement of its inaugural season until 2009. The League will continue to build upon the foundation that has been established, and will continue to discuss opportunities with potential investors.AAFL sponsors have committed to remain on board for the 2009 season. Currently, the League has corporate partnerships with New Balance, Baden Sports and Rogers Athletic. Also still in place for the 2009 season are a national radio partnership with Touchdown Radio & SportsDay Productions, and an internet broadcast partnership with PlayOn! Sports, a division of Turner Broadcasting.“We are so very fortunate to have built partnerships with companies who are partners in the truest sense of the word,” said Keenan Davis, AAFL VP of League Operations and COO. “We sincerely appreciate their support as we progress toward our new goal of a 2009 inaugural season.”All fans who have purchased tickets to 2008 AAFL games will receive a full refund. Credit cards will be credited and any checks received will be returned.Additional details regarding the AAFL’s postponement are forthcoming. Read more!

No word yet on league's future

We have had several emails into the league to try and get ANY information on where the league is headed. Hopefully, we will know something soon, but got the following response from AAFL Director of Communications Risa Balayem: "We have no additional information to report at this time. As soon as we have definitive word on any of your questions, we will let you know."

Team Tennessee Communications Director Nathan Kirkham said his team is making preparations as if there would be a season and is awaiting word from the league on what to do next. League officials are expected to have more important meetings on the league's future in the next few days.

"We’re operational and hoping to hear good news and see our players soon," Kirkham said. "We have a staff ready, a team waiting on the word to hit the road and report and an office full of equipment and gear. We have some coaches who did a lot of personnel work in NFL Europe, and they played a big role in hand-picking our roster. I’d be surprised if any other team watched as much film as our guys. I know they want to get out there and see how their research paid off. We’re following developments as the league passes them along. Have a good day."

We are hoping these are good signs that have developed in the last day or so and the still kicks off on April 12. I feel for these guys who work for the league. It must be frustrating waiting in limbo and being so ready for the season to begin

– Sean C

REMEMBER: Join our WAR ROOM message boards!
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AAFL – not finished yet? League releases major TV deal, broadcast schedule

In the week-long soap opera that has become the AAFL lately, this news release came down this evening as published by CBS-42 in Birmingham as well emailed from AAFLsource.com readers. The league says it has finalized a major national TV deal and should also announce a satellite radio deal later this week. The release says the deals will be contingent on the league locating additional investors and that the networks will make the announcement when those plans are in place. The release also does not make clear the league's discussions with investors and whether those were already in place or still being sought.

The television schedule was also released along with times and begins April 12 at 1 p.m. with Arkansas at Texas and running through the championship game on July 3. Games will be broadcast in high definition, according to the league. The release also says the leagues remaining games would be televised regionally. The names of the networks were not released, however, an educated guess would be the NFL Network since no games will be aired Saturday, April 26, the weekend of the NFL Draft. This could be a great sign if the league has investors already lined up. If not, it could be just a pipe dream for a savior riding in on a white horse. Here is the unfiltered news release:


AAFL Lands TV Network

By Brad Radice
AAFL Public Relations

AAFL LANDS BROADCAST DEALS, SWEETENS THE POT FOR POTENTIAL INVESTORS

The AAFL is finalizing major national television and radio deals this week, which should be welcome news to interested financial partners. Terms of this agreement require the official announcement is to be made by the broadcast entities and is contingent on the league locating an additional investor(s). The league announced last week that it was actively seeking additional funding to counter the negative repercussions of the liquidity crisis in the asset-backed financial markets, which have seriously affected the League’s majority owner's ability to personally finance the League.

This national TV agreement will guarantee that the following 21 (of this season’s 32 games) will be broadcast in HD by a well-known prestigious national network.

2008 AAFL Network TV Schedule

Saturday April 12:
1 PM ET – Arkansas at Texas
4 PM ET – Michigan at Tennessee

Saturday April 19:
1 PM ET – Texas at Alabama
4 PM ET – Tennessee at Arkansas

Saturday May 3:
1 PM ET – Texas at Michigan
4 PM ET – Florida at Tennessee

Saturday May 10:
1 PM ET – Michigan at Arkansas
4 PM ET – Florida at Texas

Saturday May 17:
1 PM ET – Arkansas at Tennessee
4 PM ET – Michigan at Florida

Saturday May 24:
1 PM ET – Florida at Alabama
4 PM ET – Texas at Arkansas

Saturday May 31:
1 PM ET – Texas at Florida
4 PM ET – Tennessee at Alabama

Saturday June 7:
1 PM ET – Arkansas at Alabama
4 PM ET – Michigan at Texas

Saturday June 14:
1 PM ET – Michigan at Alabama
4 PM ET – Florida at Arkansas

Saturday June 21
4 PM ET - Alabama at Florida

Playoff
Saturday June 28:
4 PM ET – Team 3 at Team 2

Championship
Thursday July 3:
8 PM ET – Playoff winner at Team 1


Finalization of the TV deal is contingent upon the League locating a new majority owner this week.

The remaining 11 games will be picked up by a series of regional and local networks, insuring that each game will be televised and available to fans all across the nation.

The AAFL has also previously announced that they have partnered with national radio syndicator Touchdown Radio Productions, Inc to broadcast every AAFL game on national airwaves. Rights to all games will be owned by the AAFL through the AAFL Radio Network I

In addition, a major satellite radio company has agreed to carry all of the AAFL’s 2008 games live each Saturday. The broadcast partner will release details of this agreement, later this week.

The League has recently completed their 2008 draft, where a a full complement of excellent players were selected for each of six teams including Heisman winner Eric Crouch, who will QB for Texas and National Championship Chris Leak, who will QB for Florida.

Crouch will be showcased in the League's inaugural game against Arkansas on April 12, facing off against Arkansas all-time leading QB Clint Stoerner, in what is expected to showcase they type of high-powered offense and exciting college-style game-play the AAFL feels will attract fans to this college style brand of professional spring football.

For the latest information about the All American Football League and the status of their search for a new majority owner, contact Arlene Howard or Ben Cooke of AHPR, Inc. at 310-398-8680.
Read more!

League survival looking grim?

Crain's Business Detroit has a little news on the state of the AAFL today. It looks like Wednesday is the league's final deadline and according to Marcus Katz, things are looking grim.

The league needs a cash infusion of $30 million and it sounds like he is finding no takers. Katz says the league has a TV deal, but needs more investors before it can be finalized. The article says he has contacted Ted Turner and Donald Trump as possible investors, to no avail. He says he does not have the additional $30 million to run the league this year because of the subprime lending financial crisis, which affected his student loan business.

I really hope the league finds an investor, but it appears the bell tolls for thee AAFL. If the league delays a year, maybe more funding could be found and maybe some financial and logistical issues could be worked out.

– Sean C
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Glimmer of hope?

Marcus Katz spoke to Fox 26 in Houston today and said the AAFL may have salvaged itself with a last-minute TV deal and a new possible majority ownership group. His statements could be welcome news for players, fans, and employees alike who hoped to see the league get off the ground.

"Everything was contingent upon us landing a television deal and that television deal arrived today," Katz told the television station.

He also said the league held a board meeting Thursday and voted not to postpone the season. he indicated there may be a possibility the 2008 season could be saved, just as teams were set to report to training camp on Wednesday. he said a TV deal was reached today, but had not yet been formally signed.

The news comes after the league announced this morning that it was seeking new majority ownership and announced that it may have to postpone the season. After a day of bad news for fans of the league, this report out of Houston may atleast offer a glimmer of hope.

I hope this is true for the sake of those who have worked so hard and accepted employment with the league. We will try to keep you informed as we hear news.

– Sean C
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Negotiations continue toward '08 season, TV deal

This statement came down a few hours ago from the AAFL:

"The All American Football League continues to progress toward its 2008 inaugural season. The League’s CEO, Marcus Katz, stated that discussions continue with several prospective investors and that negotiations for broadcast coverage of AAFL games continue to move forward. The start of preseason training camps will be delayed briefly during this process, with the intent that the League’s games will kick off on April 12, 2008."

Is this a good sign? Let's hope. I would really love to see this league get off the ground. It seems like they are still trying to give it a go. I would guess that the next week will probably decide the league's future.

– Sean C Read more!

AAFL Future in Limbo

Per the league's website....

ALL AMERICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE® LOOKING FOR
NEW MAJORITY OWNER TO SALVAGE '08 SEASON
In an attempt to secure kickoff of its inaugural season as well as its long-term future and success, the All American Football League® has begun discussions to explore multiple financing options.

Since inception, the League's finances have been indirectly tied to the $300 billion federally guaranteed student loan asset backed securities market. In August, the sub prime mortgage crisis began spreading into other sectors such as municipal bonds and federally guaranteed student loans. The situation, which was considered to be temporary at the time, has continued to worsen.

Despite the fact that the Federal Reserve has repeatedly lowered interest rates during this financial crisis, their efforts have not yet restored liquidity in many asset backed markets, including municipal bonds and student loans.

The League held its inaugural draft in January, and the team rosters and staffs are all in place. All teams are scheduled to open training camp Wednesday if liquidity can be immediately restored.

Every effort is being made to insure that the '08 season will be played as planned, but this depends upon a locating new majority owner with the needed liquidity, which in turn depends upon the League being able to finalize a TV deal. Otherwise, the inaugural season will be postponed to '09.


I wonder what Mark Cuban is doing?

-Stan Read more!

Katz says league's preparing for '08 kickoff

After a few questions about the league's possible TV deal and future, the AAFLsource.com received this response via email from Marcus Katz this afternoon: "We are working hard at insuring that the '08 season goes forward as plannned." Team Texas has denied rumors ... that the league may fold or postpone. Team Alabama also posted a response to rumors on its message board today denying rumors of a shutdown.

"Team Alabama is preparing to play in a month. We are readying training camp for the players next week. In fact, we have had shipments of supplies coming in daily to LF. We are preparing for kickoff," the post said.

"Our owner has invested a ton of money in this venture, and it would be silly to cancel it without giving the league a shot to succeed. I am confident, from my POV, that we will be successful for years to come."

"As I have stated all along, there will be a lot of information available soon for you guys."

I hope this is true and we hear some announcements soon. The frustrations and concerns many fans have is a lack of information coming out from the league about ANYTHING. The last news release from the league was Feb. 16. As someone who worked in the newspaper business for eight years, I know you have to get yourself in the news, especially for such a new and unique league. If I were running the league, I would have some kind of news release coming out every day. Spotlight your players, coaches, and upcoming plans. Get the word out and make it easy for the media to print news about what you have going.

Training camp is scheduled to begin in a couple of weeks. We have sent emails to get just some basic information about training camps. No response. We have sent emails to try and get tailgating and alcohol policies for each stadium. Very little response. I am not trying to be overly critical, but come on, the league is almost a month away from kickoff! It doesn't cost money to send out news releases to promote the league or email out a few lines of information. I really want this league to succeed, but it's time to get the PR machine rolling.

– Sean C
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Team Texas shoots down rumors

Team Texas higher-ups shot down any speculation tonight that the AAFL will fold and said the league plans to go forth with its April 12 kickoff. Some have speculated a delay in the announcement of the league's television coverage may have spelled doom for the league. Team Texas said there is NO TRUTH to that and called these rumors "unfounded".

This is good news for those of us really hoping to see this league succeed. We have emails into the league to see if anything will be announced. We are in a waiting game now and hope something is announced soon. I only wish the league marketed itself more and got the word out more about what is happening. The fans are there AAFL, they just want to hear from you!

We will let you know what we hear.

– Sean C
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TV DEAL – waiting game continues

I had a very brief email exchange with AAFL CEO Marcus Katz today. He had told me previously a deal might be completed on Friday and then announced first by the network and when something would be announced. Today, I asked if a TV deal had been reached yet. Katz responded that he was now in the "no comment" stage. Not sure what this means, but hopefully we will have something early next week.
And here is the rest of it. Read more!

Message from Team Arkansas Coach

Hello, Team Arkansas Fans!

Training camp approaches quickly, my friends. As time grows shorter, the "to-do" list gets longer. That is the focus of this week's e-newsletter.

Team Arkansas Manager of Football Operations Harry Justvig is working tirelessly to make travel and lodging arrangements for our players, who are due to check in for camp March 12, in Little Rock.

Once here, players will be divided into two groups and will fly to Atlanta for physicals. They will then fly back to Little Rock for training camp.

I will, of course, tell you when our training camp schedule is finalized so you can come watch us practice. It will be a terrific opportunity to see how your Team Arkansas is shaping up and I would love to see you in the stands.

Ticket sales, meanwhile, are escalating. League leaders happily report "exponential" growth in sales. I recommend buying a ticket now if you haven't already. Just visit www.AAFL.com or call 1-888-602-AAFL (2235). Please don't miss any of the excitement! Let's pack War Memorial Stadium and rock our opponents!

While you are visiting the website, check out the Team Arkansas blogs. Messages from JJ Jones, Charlie Hebert and Marcus Randall are already on and there's much more to come.

Running Back Chrys Chukwuma will spend most of the coming week making appearances on ESPN-affiliated radio stations in Northwest and Central Arkansas. Catch him on KREB 1190 AM, "The Fan," in Bentonville; and KXNA FM 104.9, "The "X," in Fayetteville.

Watch for Team Arkansas' two-page spread in Arkansas Sports 360, hitting newsstands in the coming days. It contains a brief scouting report, coaches' biographies and the preseason roster.

Lastly, a couple of links to articles recently written about a couple of my players: Joe Sturdivant, a safety out of Southern Methodist, and Zarah Yisrael, a lineman from Troy.

http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=10451&SectionID=7&SubSectionID=7&S=1

http://www.troytrojans.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=87288&SPID=10377&DB_OEM_ID=17200&ATCLID=1383813

Sincerely,
Ron Calcagni
Head Coach/General Manager
Team Arkansas, AAFL
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Online broadcaster already advertising link to AAFL

A few weeks ago AAFL CEO Marcus Katz told AAFLsource.com that a major radio deal was in the works for the league. A week or so later, the league formally announced an agreement to air all games on the Touchdown Radio Network on 100-plus stations across the country.

Earlier this week, Katz also told us a deal had already been reached with Turner's Play On Sports to be the online broadcaster of league games. That is confirmed with a trip at the broadcaster's website, where the AAFL logo is already in place and prominently displayed. I checked out some USL soccer video and was pleased out clear and impressive te quality looked.

Things are getting exciting. Katz has been accurate in his past interviews about league happenings thus far. I have a good feeling his insinuations about a future TV deal coming soon will be just as accurate. Also, I assume those online video feeds will come from some network's coverage. Several networks have been mentioned, including the NFL Network. Let's hope we hear something soon.
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Countering the pessimism, some positive signs for the AAFL

There is quite a bit of pessimism out there about the AAFL. I will not stick my neck out and predict huge success for the league, but will point out some positives I see. It is easy to pick out things the league is doing wrong, but let's point out what I think the league has done right.

Organization
Who could be perfectly organized starting a league from scratch? However, here are some things I see as positives:
• Teams – This team has six ready-to-go teams stocked with some pretty talented players. This is a good start for the league – not starting with huge built-up expectations, but growing a loyal fanbase.
• Draft – The draft looked great and was presented well for a league starting from nothing.
• Tickets – Tickets sales are up and running.
• Facilities/Stadiums – The league has agreements with 6 REAL stadiums. These stadiums house a couple NFL teams, host college bowl games, host NCAA Division I football programs, some are very historic with decades of football tradition, and one has hosted a Super Bowl (Rice Stadium). I would say they have been successful there. (For more on these see our STADIUM STORY series at www.AAFLsource.com.)

On the Field
• Coaches – the league has really hired some big names, some with more experience than others. John Jenkins is one of the main reasons you see the ball being passed all over the field now. They took the Run and Shoot (of which he was a mastermind) and just renamed it the Spread.
• Players – Signing regional players was a great idea and part of the business plan. Some of these guys have big names, including a Heisman Trophy winner (Couch), national champions (Leak and several others), and some pretty talented former NFL players (Peter Warrick, Willie Jackson, and more). I think the league ha chosen a pretty good stock of talent.
• Equipment – The league has reached three equipment and apparel deals with name brands: New Balance, Schutt Sports, and Rogers Athletic. I expect will see more sponsorship deals in the coming weeks.

Broadcasting
• Radio – The league has signed a major radio network deal with Touchdown Radio Network, a great partnership considering TRN's connection to and coverage of college football. Already, 100 stations have signed on and every game will be broadcast.
• Satellite Radio – Marcus Katz confirmed earlier this month to AAFLsource.com that all games will also be broadcast on Sirius Satellite Radio also.
• Online – Marcus Katz confirmed to AAFLsource.com yesterday that an agreement has already been reached with Turner's Play-On Sports to broadcast games online.
• Television – The league has said a TV deal is close and could be announced this week (as reported by AAFLsource.com). Sources keep telling us a deal is close.

Ownership
Marcus Katz has shown a willingness to invest in something new and different. He has begun an expensive venture, but seems willing to give it a try. He has said if he sees the fans turn out, that will show a level of success, and has even mentioned expansion in year two. Time will tell if fans will buy what Katz and the AAFL are selling. For me, any kind of football will whet my appetite.

• Remember, the success of this league depends on fans. Get your tickets at the AAFL Online Ticket Store and remember to please use AAFL Source as your ticket passcode.

• Comment on these and other AAFL events in our WAR ROOM Message Boards.

– Sean C
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FANTASY FOOTBALL: Get your game together; Who will be the top stars?

REMINDER - League sites ready to roll first week of March

With the supplemental draft next Saturday and training camp set for March, fantasy football is right around the corner. See our post below (scroll down) for more complete details on our game.

Get some friends together and have some fun. Cost - $30 per league, $7 for free agents (players who need a league). Email aaflsourcefantasy@gmail.com to sign up.

Which brings up the issue of fantasy football scoring. Let's make some predictions. Who will be the scorers? Peter Warrick, Chris Leak, Eric Crouch? What about RB Rod Smart. I would look out for one of the Texas Tech QBs for Team Texas.
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Transactions link added to AAFL.com

As the league gets closer to kickoff, the AAFL has added a Transaction Page for players lost and added due to various reasons, including a few players choosing to play in the CFL or AFL. I would assume an injury report will also be added as we get closer to the season. We will cover all of that for you here. Those playing our fantasy football game will also see individual player notes, news, and injury updates. To get signed up for fantasy football, email aaflsourcefantasy@gmail.com.

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EXCLUSIVE – Marcus Katz comments on TV deal, confirms online broadcaster

AAFLsource.com conducted a brief email interview with AAFL CEO Marcus Katz this afternoon about the future of a television deal for the network. Katz kept his answers brief, but did indicate something was in the works and would be announced hopefully this week. He has said in the past the league was in negotiations and indicated the league would hopefully have some type of deal very soon. Katz did confirm that games would be broadcast over the Internet and who the league's Internet broadcast partner would be.


Below is the unfiltered, unedited interview:

AAFLSource: Has there been any change in the status of a television deal?

Katz: Hopefully, after a meeting in NY on Tuesday, we will have something to announce.

AAFLSource: Will something be announced this week?

Katz: We certainly hope so.

AAFLSource: How many networks do you think will broadcast games?

Katz: It's somewhat complicated. We want as broad of distribution as possible. But we are the new guy on the block and will work within the parameters of what's available to us.

AAFLSource: Will games be broadcast online?

Katz: We aleady have a deal to do this with Turner Broadcasting's Playon Sports.

My take: Something should be done soon. My guess is there will be at least one game broadcast per week on a national scale and hopefully some regional coverage. There possibly could be all games broadcast if NFL Network is TV partner. My feeling is fan interest will certainly grow if football fans know they will be able to watch some football on TV this spring with some names they recognize and in football-frenzied areas.

A meeting in New York could mean any number of networks. Let's hope something is announced this week. I can't wait for kickoff.

• Remember, the success of this league depends on fans. Get your tickets at the AAFL Online Ticket Store and remember to please use AAFL Source as your ticket passcode.

• Comment on these and other AAFL events in our WAR ROOM Message Boards.

– Sean C
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Designer creates amazing Warrick AAFL figure, takes love of game to another level

Trevis Meseroll takes his passion for football seriously – beyond tailgate parties and hours in front of the TV. The Ohio native is the owner of All Star Customs and designs some unbelievable football figures.

“I pride myself on my art and my ability to create one of a kind custom sports figures for sports enthusiasts such as myself.”

That includes his recent design of Peter Warrick sporting an AAFL Team Florida uniform. Being a huge football fan and playing cornerback in high school and semi-pro, Meseroll says he is very excited about the AAFL and hopes to see it succeed.

“I'm already rooting for Team Florida, just because my favorite college has been the Florida State Seminoles since the early ‘80s,” he said.

He is also a very big fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and has what he calls the "Bucs Room" in his home, featuring his Buccaneers memorabilia collection. This is also where his custom sports figures get produced.

“I very much love doing the custom sports figures and have had the chance to do some for a few professional athletes,” he says.

Those clients include: Chad Johnson (Cincinnati Bengals); John Parrella (Oakland Raiders); Jon Gruden , Chris Hovan, Mike Alstott, Doug Williams (all of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers); Tim Tebow (Florida Gators); Bryan Cupito (Minnesota Golden Gophers); and Stacey Nuveman (USA Softball catcher).

With a background in canvas art since age 16, Meseroll attended the School of Advertising Arts in Kettering, Ohio, earning an associate’s degree in graphic design and illustration. Using that experience he has owned and operated several arts businesses including faux finishing and decorative painting (murals).

He started All Star Customs about three years ago to combine his love for art and sports. In that time, he has completed about 375.

The Peter Warrick custom took about five to eight hours of time from start to finish to produce.

“I do research on player, position, and body type, and select a pose for a figure to use for the custom. Then I have to take the figure apart (arms, legs, chin strap an facemask) so they can be primed.

“Once that is all done then I can move on to base painting the figure an then getting ready the decals. The decals and packaging are made in Adobe PhotoShop.”

Once the decaling is finished, Meseroll paints the entire figure the rest of the way and blends in the decal w/ the paints to make them seamless. Lastly, the arms, legs, facemask, and chinstraps are reassembled and a matte finish is applied to the helmets to get a gloss finish.

The process is tedious work, but I think you will agree that the finished product is amazing. Meseroll hopes to continue to add to his AAFL offerings, and plans to produce a Rod Smart with Team Tennessee and Chris Leak with Team Florida.

For more information on All Star Customs visit www.allstarcustoms.com. Meseroll builds customs for every level – from youth sports to professional.


• Remember, the success of this league depends on fans. Get your tickets at the AAFL Online Ticket Store and remember to please use AAFL Source as your ticket passcode.

• Comment on these and other AAFL events in our WAR ROOM Message Boards.

– Sean C
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STADIUM STORY – Tradition-rich Legion Field welcomes Team Alabama

Despite their collegiate rivalries, Alabama fans will have to unite to cheer on Team Alabama as they open their inaugural season at historic Legion Field in Birmingham on April 19 against Team Texas.

Named in honor of the American Legion, Legion Field sseats 71, 594 fans and was built in 1926. The stadium has a history as rich as the state's football programs and it is that history in the state that should provide enough common ground to attract fan support from Alabama and Auburn fans alike. After all, the AAFL hopes the team will represent one state, not just the individual universities (as the league has also done in other locations).

From 1948-1988, Legion was host to the biggest game in the state as Auburn and Alabama battled it out for bragging rights in the Iron Bowl each year to end their regular seasons. After the 1988 game, both schools moved the game to their individual schools on a home-and-home basis. The University of Alabama also held two or three home games each year at the stadium until 2003, ending their run at Legion with a victury over South Florida.

The historic stadium has also hosted a plethora of bowl and postseason games in the past including the Dixie Bowl, Hall of Fame Bowl, All-American Bowl, the first two SEC championship games (1992-93), and still holds the historically black-university Southwestern Athletic Conference championship. Since 2004, the University of Alabama-Birmingham (Conference USA) has called Legion Field home.

While the stadium is synonymous with college football, it has also hosted several attempts at pro football including: Birmingham Americans/Vulcans (WFL, 1974-75), Birmingham Stallions (USFL, 1983-85), Birmingham Fire (WLAF, 1991-92), Birmingham Barracudas (CFL, 1995), and Birmingham Thunderbolts (XFL, 2001). Birmingham fans have always had a wilingness to support a pro team, but previous leagues have not shown staying power. With the AAFL trying to capitalize on a college feel and college stars, hopefully the league will take advantage of that Legion Field history and Team Alabama will be playing for many years to come.

To get your Team Alabama and AAFL tickets visit the AAFL Online Ticket Store and use AAFL Source as your ticket passcode.

– Sean C

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Team Ark gets things rolling; Calcagni comments on roster, coaching staff, and training camp

For the naysayers out there worried the league might not get off the ground, Team Arkansas coach Ron Calcagni (pictured with Team President Alicia Cooper) sounds pretty pumped in his first team newsletter. He noted the team begins check-in for training camp on March 12 and comments on his team's talent and coaching staff.

Regarding the team's roster Calcagni notes: "We got nearly every player we wanted and I can hardly wait for training camp to assemble the championship machine that will be Team Arkansas!

"Let me say one more thing about the draft. I am incredibly proud of my coaches. It is a privilege for me to have them on board and a joy to watch them work, merrily applying centuries of combined experience to the task of extracting the highest caliber talent from the pool of extremely talented players. It was an amazing sight!"

The former University of Arkansas quarterback says that training camp will be held at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. Earlier reports said that training camp would be held with all teams in Mobile, Alabama. AAFLsource.com will attempt to confirm any changes in training camp schedules and locations. Calcagni sounded pleased to be returning to Little Rock.

"Among my fondest memories are the ones I have from my days as an Arkansas Razorback being warmly greeted and cheered on by the loving fans who filled War Memorial," he said. "Now, I get to re-enter that tradition-filled arena as the head coach of Team Arkansas!"

The newsletter said practices will be open to the public. Workout schedules will be announced at a later date. In other Team Arkansas news:

• the Team Arkansas Road Show continues to tour the state to promote the team, including a stop in Little Rock, White Hall, Trumann, and Newport last week. The Road Show also several stops in the coming weeks. It is nice to see the team getting out on the promotion trail. If you want to book the show for an event or group email jana.carpenter@aafl.com.

• Calcagni also notes Team Arkansas tickets are on the rise. To get your tickets, visit the AAFL Online Ticket Store or call 1-888-398-AAFL. Get your seats now and please use AAFL Source as your ticket passcode.

– Sean C
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Free agency and roster additions cleared up a bit

This interesting note came from Team Texas on the AAFL message boards regarding free agent acquisitions:

"There is no 'free agency' in our league. If a team loses a player to injury or needs to cut a player loose and add a player during the course of the year, the player to be added MUST be in our draft pool by Feb. 9, 2008. No player can be added that is not in the draft pool by now.

In other words ...

– a player cannot be added off the street like in the NFL or other pro leagues. All teams will derive their rosters from the same talent pool. This makes league scouting easier as no team has to worry about searching Timbuktu for talent, but also narrows the choices. However, I believe the AAFL has a roster of players not taken in the original or supplemental drafts. I guess if you are one of those in the talent pool not selected, this is pretty good news.
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AAFL Team Logos - Vote in our poll!

Here are the team logos for those interested. And who isn't? Get your vote in our poll for the best logo.

Team Alabama

Team Arkansas

Team Florida

Team Michigan

Team Tennessee

Team Texas

So what is the consensus? I've seen lots of talk on the message boards about logo and uniform talk. I personally like them. Yes it is generic, but for a regional concept these work perfectly.

- CA
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QUARTERBACK BREAKDOWN: Those that didn't quite make the cut.

We've done four of the six QB Breakdowns for the AAFL teams. You've now seen who might be leading your team towards the championship on July 4th. But now we will focus on a few QBs that didn't quite make the cut. Not sure if anyone really knew these guys were at the open tryouts or not.


UNCLE RICO
We all know if Coach woulda put Rico in fourth quarter, he would've been state champion. And that might have been his start in the AAFL. When seeking comment from Uncle Rico, it was asked what his qualifications for QB were, he said "Back in '82, I used to be able to throw a pigskin a quarter mile." He followed that up with, "How much you wanna make a bet I can throw a football over them mountains?... Yeah" Maybe next year Rico, keep eating those steaks and making those films. 2009 is your year. "No doubt. No doubt in my mind."


RANDALL 'PINK' FLOYD
So much promise, so much attitude. 'Pink' has the skills for the AAFL he just doesn't quite take the game serious enough. When asked about playing in the league, he said "I may play ball next fall" but now me and "my loser friends are gonna head out to buy Aerosmith tickets. Number 1 priority of the summer." Pretty much sums up his priorities, huh. Then he added this, "ever thought about why we play football? How many times have you gotten laid strictly because you're a football player?" We're guessing this must be priority number 2.


EX-COWBOY HAS BEENS
Any number of former Dallas Cowboy starting QBs could be run out in the AAFL. But they pretty much all are failed bits. Let's see we had "Chutch", remember the can't miss prospect Chad Hutchinson? I think his shining moment came in HBO's Hard Knocks while performing with the "Singing Cowboy", Richmond Flowers. Then there was Drew Henson, another former baseball player that they couldn't miss on. Henson never really got much of a chance under Big Bill Parcels, but I'll call this Strike Two. And who could forget Q-Car, that's right Quincy Carter. This guy would actually be a prime candidate for the AAFL if he could keep his nose clean.

So there are just a few that didn't quite make the cut. Maybe we'll see them in next year's camps, maybe not.

-CA

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QUARTERBACK BREAKDOWN: Florida Must Choose between National Champion QBs

Team Florida appeared to have the quarterback position firmed up, if not for years to come at least for the AAFL's inaugural season, when Chris Leak announced he would play. And Team Florida was able to protect him for their team. Chris Leak led the Florida Gators to the 2007 BCS National Championship, secured the MVP award for that game, and broke Danny Wuerffel's record for career passing yards at UF. Leak is exactly what the AAFL is looking for, a college star continuing his professional career in the state and stadium in which he made his name. What better to promote the league, sell tickets, and put butts in seats.

Now enter Eric Kresser, a former UF quarterback as well. Kresser played three years at UF backing up Wuerffel, and then transferred to 1-AA Marshall his senior year. He then proceeded to win a national championship with a little help from another transfer player you may have heard of, Randy Moss. The two hooked up for 23 TDs in Kresser's lone year at Marshall. Kresser played in the fun-n-gun offense under Spurrier, the same system Coach Matthews played in and will run with Team Florida.

So the question remains, does the fan favorite, top of mind, PR dream Chris Leak secure the starting job out of training camp in March, or does the QB with prototype measurables and familiarity with the offense get the nod? No doubt both QBs can be successful in the AAFL with Team Florida, and Coach Matthews has stated that both will get a chance to win the starting spot. Count me as one saying Leak gets the starting spot on the PR ticket alone, but don't think the leash isn't short if the team isn't winning.

Team Florida also drafted Justin Rascati out of James Madison in the supplemental draft last Saturday.

CHRIS LEAK
Florida (6-0, 210) - Leak doesn't have prototypical QB measurables, but he is a leader and he is a winner. Leak became the starter at UF in his freshmen year and started the remaining games in his career, culminating in a route of OSU for the BCS National Championship. Leak went undrafted in 2007, but was signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bears, and played behind another former Gator, Rex Grossman, in the preseason, before eventually being cut in September.

College
2003-07 (University of Florida)
(51 games played, 47 Starts)
Passing – 895 of 1,458 (61.4%), 11,213 yards, 88 TDs, 9 INTs
Rushing – 13 TDs

NFL
2007 Undrafted Free Agent (Chicago Bears)
* No statistics recorded.

ERIC KRESSER
Florida/Marshall (6-2, 223) – Back up QB at Florida for three years, transferred to 1-AA Marshall for senior year and guided the Herd to the National Championship. Kresser went undrafted in the NFL draft but signed on with and played one year for Cincinnati Bengals in 1998, playing in two games recording 1 TD and 2 INTs. Threw for 5 TDs and 6 INTs with the Berlin Thunder of NFL-Europe in 2000.

College
1993-1995 (Florida)

1996 (Marshall)
Career (15 games played)
Passing - 3,407 yards, 35 TDs, 11 INTs

NFL
1998 Undrafted Free Agent (Cincinnati Bengals)
Passing - 10 of 21 (47.6%) 164 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs

NFLE
2000 (Berlin Thunder)
Passing - 52 of 102 (51.0%) 690 yards, 5 TD, 6 INTs

CFL
2002 (Montreal Alouettes)

JUSTIN RASCATI
James Madison (6-3, 219) – Yet another National Championship winning QB. Rascati started his collegiate career at Louisville and eventually transferred to James Madison. Rascati left JMU as its most successful QB of all time. Undrafted in same 2007 NFL draft as Leak, even tried out with Chicago Bears but was not picked up. Also tried out for Montreal Alouettes of the CFL, and eventually signed with the Peoria Pirates of the af2 but will play instead for AAFL.

College
2004 - 2006 (James Madison)
Passing - 487 - 728 (67%) 5,912 yards, 51 TDs, 16 INTs

– CA

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QB BREAKDOWN: Team Arkansas looking for answers heading into training camp

Many AAFL teams will enter their first training camps with loads of questions about their players. The biggest question to face Team Arkansas is: who will be under center on opening day? Fortunately, they have a veteran in Clint Stoerner – who has experience on the professional level.

Arkansas also has a multi-talented athlete in LSU’s Marcus Randall. Coach Calcagni has let it be known that he intends on giving each guy the chance to win the starting job, as he has no intentions of letting the signal callers split time during games. Rounding out the quarterback club is 6-foot, 5-inch Kent Smith out of Central Michigan.

CLINT STOERNER
University of Arkansas (6-1, 225) – An Arkansas alum, Stoerner looks to rekindle some of the glory he had while a Razorback. He set many passing records while at Arkansas, and spent five years in the NFL, four of those with the Dallas Cowboy as a backup. He did start two games in 2001 and has spent time in NFL Europe. Stoerner found success in the AFL where he was Rookie of the Year in 2005 for the Dallas Desperados.

Career notes:
• Finished his collegiate career first in Razorbacks’ history in completions (528), attempts (1,023) and touchdowns (57) and third in passing yardage (7,422).
• While with the Cowboys, he directed them to a victory over Arizona.
• As a sophomore in 1997, he set then-school records for passing yards in a season (2,347).

College
Arkansas
1996
Passing – 11 of 37 (29%), 153 yards,
1997
Passing – 173 of 357 (48%), 2,347 yards, 12 TDs
1998
Passing – 167 of 312 (52%), 2,629 yards, 26 TDs, 8 INTs
1999
Passing – 177 of 317 (55%), 2,293 yards, 19 INTs

MARCUS RANDALL LSU (6-1 1/2,233) – A quarterback that could very well end up on the defensive side of the ball. A great athlete while at LSU, had to split time with Matt Mauck and JaMarcus Russell. Undrafted in 2005, he went to sign with Tennessee and later Green Bay to play defense.

Career notes:
• threw the game-winning touchdown against Kentucky in 2002, now known as the "Bluegrass Miracle".
• during his career at LSU, Randall would throw for 2,845 yards, 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
• switched from QB to safety, then to linebacker while in the NFL.

College
LSU
2002
Passing – 87 of 181 (48%), 1,173 yards, 7 TDs , 5 INTs
2003
Passing – 25 of 40 (62%), 403 yards, 2 TDs, 5 INTs
2004
Passing – 102 of 162 (63%), 1,269 yards, 9 TDs, 6 INTs

KENT SMITH Central Michigan (6-5, 215) – He has great size and ability, but lacked accuracy according to NFL scouts. Smith could be a sleeper coming into camp with the two big names battling it out.

Careers notes:
• Despite being named the best quarterback in the Mid-American Conference by the media, Smith was not named all-MAC.

College
Central Michigan
2004
Passing – 188 of 333 (56%), 2,284 yards, 16 TDs, 8 INTs
2005
Passing – 255 of 420 (60%), 2,799yards, 16 TDs, 6 INTs

– Stan

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Ready for some AAFL football? This highlight will get you in the mood!

Site news and previews

You want to get excited for some AAFL football? Take a look at this highlight of Woody Dantzler from his time with the Cowboys. Whether he plays QB or whatever, he could be a really exciting talent for the league and provide some highlight clips! I truly believe the AAFL has found some talented players, and if run and marketed right, the league can be successful. I am already craving some football and am really looking forward to the start of the season. However, the fans must show their support to make the AAFL a success. Get your tickets now, I've bought mine!

We have a lot more planned here at AAFLsource.com including:
• Fantasy Football – We are partnering with Goal Line Software. You can have your own league with automatic scoring, lineup changes, player news and updates, and everything you have come accustomed to expect from a quality fantasy game. A 4 or 6-team league is $30. We will have league sites up and running soon. Email us at aaflsourcefantasy@gmail.com to find out more or sign up.

• QB and RB Breakdowns – more coming in the next two weeks.

• Announcements – Hopefully you will be reading some TV announcements and analysis here in the next week.

• Team Texas Opening Day event– We are attending the April 12 opener in Houston and have set up our own $33 ticket section. Come out and party with us. We will have a blast. Visit the AAFL Online Ticket Store and click on Special Seating Options when getting your tickets to find our group. Also, if you like what we are doing here, please do us a favor and just enter AAFL Source as your passcode when you make your ticket purchases!

• Opening Weekend Party – We may even get together some kind of pregame or postgame party in Houston on Friday or Saturday of opening weekend.

• The WAR ROOM – Get registered and start posting on our message boards.

Lots more to come. Lets us know what you think or email suggestions/ideas/questions to aaflsource@gmail.com.

– Sean C (aaflsourcesean@gmail.com) Read more!

Cool schedule link

Smokies at the AAFL Boards came up with a great helmets schedule. Here it is. I thought this was pretty cool. He has done a great job.

– Sean C

PS – Working on last of our Stadium Story feature and special feature for Florida fans. Read more!

QB BREAKDOWN: Tennessee frontrunner Randall shows passing and running ability

Despite the loss of Tennessee Volunteer great Tee Martin, Team Tennessee will still have several talented players to choose from at the quarterback position. Coach Andy Kelly has left himself with big decisions at quarterback with the likes of Virginia Tech's Bryan Randall (pictured at left), Clemson's Woody Dantzler, Tennessee college product Andrico Hines, and, lastly, Yale's Jeff Mroz. Kelly used the second pick in the AAFL Draft to grab Randall, who should be the frontrunner and is dangerous through the air and on the ground.

BRYAN RANDALL Virginia Tech (6-1/2, 220) – Split time with Marcus Vick for the Hokies and took over when Vick got into legal troubles. Has bounced around the NFL for a few years, but has not gotten any real playing time. His ability to run and pass make him a big weapon and tough to game plan against for opposing defenses.

Career notes:
• led team to ACC Championship and Sugar Bowl berth in 2004, losing to Auburn.
• from 2004-07 played on practice squads for Falcons, Buccaneers, and Steelers.
• established new school records at VT for passing yards (6,508) and total offense( 8,034).
• 2004 ACC Offensive Player of the Year

College
Virginia Tech
2002
Passing – 158 of 248 (64%), 2,134 yards, 12 TDs, 11 INTs
Rushing – 171 rushes, 507 yards, 3 TDs
2003
Passing – 150 of 245 (61%), 1,996 yards, 15 TDs, 10 INTs
Rushing – 82 rushes, 404 yards, 3 TDs
2004
Passing – 170 of 306 (56%), 2,264 yards, 21 TDs, 9 INTs
Rushing – 136 rushes, 511 yards, 3 TDs

WOODY DANTZLER Clemson (5-10 1/2,213) – An exciting player who is a threat to run or pass. He could play multiple positions if needed for Tennessee. He brings some name value, but also brings some big offensive talent for the Orange and White to utilize.

Career notes:
• became first college quarterback in NCAA history to pass for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season.
• first-team All-ACC in 2001.
• signed with the Cowboys in 2002 as a rookie free agent and played for the Falcons from 2003-04.

College
Clemson
1999 (10 games)
Passing – 112 of 201 (56%), 1,506 yards, 9 TDs, 6 INTs
Rushing – 146 rushes, 588 yards, 4 TDs
2000 (12 games)
Passing – 137 of 244 (56%), 1,871 yards, 11 TDs, 7 INTs
Rushing – 190 rushes, 1,028 yards, 13 TDs
2001 (11 games)
Passing – 188 of 311 (60%), 2,360 yards, 17 TDs, 11 INTs
Rushing – 206 rushes, 1,004 yards, 10 TDs

NFL
2002 (Cowboys, 5 games) – 27 kick returns, 602 yards, 1 TD
2003 (Falcons, 9 games) – 8 rushes, 21 yards, 1 TD