The Arizona hotshots were one of the standout teams in the Arizona hotshots AAF league, showcasing exciting and competitive Arizona hotshots football. Known for their strong offense and dedicated fan base, the team quickly became a fan favorite during their AAF season, leaving behind a memorable legacy in the short-lived league’s football history.
Established
2018
City
Phoenix
League History
2019 / Alliance of American Football
Team History
2019 / Arizona Hotshots
Nickname
Hotshots – The Arizona Hotshots of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) is a professional team based in Tempe, Arizona. The team was founded in 2018 and is part of the Western Division along with Salt Lake Stallions, San Antonio Commanders, and Birmingham Iron. As one would expect from an AAF franchise in the Southwest desert region, their nickname pays homage to its unique climate: “Hotshots.”
Arizona Hotshots Origin
A hotshot is someone who works hard or takes risks; it's also used to describe firefighters who bravely battle wildfires by working long hours under dangerous conditions while carrying heavy loads on their backs—a fitting name for a professional sports team! But where did this term originate?
It turns out that "hot shot" had existed since at least 1885 when it first appeared in print as slang for something very fast or energetic. By 1905 it had become synonymous with firefighting crews tackling blazes across America's western states - particularly those battling forest fires deep within rugged mountain terrain during summer months when temperatures can reach triple digits! This gave rise to its use among wildland firefighters - known colloquially as 'hotshots' due to their ability to work quickly and efficiently even under extreme heat conditions - which eventually became popularized through films like Smokejumpers (1996).
In many ways, then, choosing ‘Hotshots’ as the official mascot for Arizona’s AAF franchise was more than just clever wordplay – It was also an ode honoring all those brave men & women risking life & limb fighting wildfires throughout our country every year!
Championship
AAF Championships 0
Stadium
2019 / Sun Devil Stadium
Owner
2019 / Alliance of American Football
Coach
2019 / Rick Neuheisel
Retired Number
19 Granite Mountain Hotshots
*Blue is this team’s history
- 2018
- 2018
- 2019
- 2019
- 2019
- 2019
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Hotshots Team Formation
The Arizona Hotshots were a professional American football franchise based in Tempe, Arizona, and one of the eight members of the Alliance of American Football (AAF), which played one season from February 2019 to April 2019. They played their home games at Sun Devil Stadium on the campus of Arizona State University. The Hotshots were one of two AAF teams ... -
Rick Neuheisel was announced as the head coach
On May 18, 2018: Rick Neuheisel was announced as the head coach of the Arizona Hotshots by the AAF. The team was slated to play at Sun Devil Stadium on the campus of Arizona State University. -
John Wolford – Hotshots Quarterback
John Wolford, the quarterback who led the league in passing touchdowns (14) and passer rating (106.3) and was second in passing yards (1,617) and completion percentage (63.1%) -
Arizona Hotshots team played their first game
February 10, 2019: The team played their first game and defeated the Salt Lake Stallions 38-22 at home. -
Hotshots team won their third game in a row
On March 31, 2019: The team won their third game in a row against the San Antonio Commanders 23-6 on the road. -
AAF and Hotshots file Chapter 7
On April 2, 2019, the league’s football operations were reportedly suspended, and on April 4 the league allowed players to leave their contracts to sign with NFL teams. The league filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on April 17, 2019. At the time of the bankruptcy, the Hotshots owed over $1.2 million to Arizona State University for leasing Sun Devil Stadium.
Arizona Hotshots History
The Arizona Hotshots were a professional team that competed in the Alliance of American Football (AAF). Based in Tempe, Arizona, the Arizona Hotshots football team quickly became one of the most recognized names in the league. Formed in 2018 and officially beginning play in 2019, the team represented Arizona’s passion for football and gave fans a new team to rally behind.
The Arizona Hotshots AAF franchise was coached by Rick Neuheisel, who brought years of NCAA coaching experience and offensive expertise to the field. The team played its home games at Sun Devil Stadium, where fans enjoyed a mix of professional football energy and college-like excitement. The Hotshots’ bright uniforms and unique logo paid tribute to Arizona’s wildfire fighters, honoring the bravery of real-life heroes across the state.
In their inaugural AAF season, the Arizona Hotshots football team became one of the league’s most competitive squads. They posted a 5–3 record before the league unexpectedly ceased operations. Quarterback John Wolford led a balanced offense, finishing among the top performers in the league. Defensively, players like Scooby Wright and Sterling Moore added toughness and consistency, helping the Arizona Hotshots secure crucial wins throughout the season.
Hotshots Achievements
Even though the Arizona Hotshots AAF season was cut short, the team left a lasting legacy. Their disciplined play, strong coaching, and fan-first approach made them one of the most admired franchises in the Alliance of American Football. The Hotshots’ spirit embodied determination, teamwork, and pride—qualities that fans in Arizona deeply appreciated.
Strong Inaugural Season
The Arizona Hotshots football team stood out during their debut campaign, ranking among the top offenses in the league. They consistently delivered strong performances, outscoring several top AAF teams and establishing themselves as a powerhouse despite the short season.
Offensive Excellence
Under coach Neuheisel’s leadership, the Arizona Hotshots AAF offense became one of the most efficient in the league. Quarterback John Wolford’s passing accuracy and the dynamic running game helped the team remain in playoff contention until the league’s closure.
Lasting Legacy in AAF History
Although the Alliance of American Football ended prematurely, the Arizona Hotshots remain one of its most iconic teams. Their story represents resilience, innovation, and the deep football culture in Arizona that continues to thrive beyond the AAF era.
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