Arizona Hotshots
Established: 2018
Championship: 0
Atlanta Legends
Established: 2018
Championship: 0
Birmingham Iron
Established: 2018
Championship: 0
Memphis Express
Established: 2018
Championship: 0
Orlando Apollos
Established: 2018
Championship: 0
Salt Lake Stallions
Established: 2018
Championship: 0
San Antonio Commanders
Established: 2018
Championship: 0
San Diego Fleet
Established: 2018
Championship: 0
Sports Fan Products
AAF Team History
The Alliance of American Football (AAF) was a professional football league that operated for one season in 2019. Though short-lived, the AAF had its fair share of teams that brought excitement and a fresh perspective to the game. Let's look at some notable AAF team histories during its brief existence.
The Orlando Apollos were one of the standout franchises in the AAF. Coached by Steve Spurrier, the Apollos boasted an explosive offense and a staunch defense. The Apollos had a dominant regular season, led by quarterback Garrett Gilbert, finishing with a league-best 7-1 record. Unfortunately, the AAF suspended operations before the playoffs, leaving the Apollos with a bittersweet end to their promising season.
Another notable team in the AAF was the Birmingham Iron. Led by head coach Tim Lewis, the Iron built their foundation on a solid defense that quickly became the talk of the league. With players like linebacker Beniquez Brown and safety Jamar Summers, the Iron boasted one of the most formidable defenses in the AAF. Despite their defensive prowess, the Iron finished the season with a 5-3 record, falling short of a playoff berth.
The San Antonio Commanders were another team that left an impression on the AAF. Coached by Mike Riley, the Commanders showcased a balanced and disciplined style of play. Led by quarterback Logan Woodside and running back Kenneth Farrow II, the Commanders had a solid season, finishing with a 5-3 record. Unfortunately, like the rest of the league, the Commanders' season was cut short due to the suspension of operations.
The AAF also featured teams like the Arizona Hotshots, Salt Lake Stallions, and Memphis Express, each with unique journeys and storylines. While the AAF ultimately disbanded, the league provided a platform for players to showcase their skills and entertained football fans briefly.
The team histories of the AAF franchises demonstrate the passion and dedication each team brought to the field, despite the challenges faced by the league. Though the AAF's time was short-lived, its impact on the football landscape cannot be overlooked. It served as a reminder of the appetite for innovative football and the desire for an alternative league to complement the NFL.