The Birmingham Iron were a professional team in the Birmingham Iron AAF, known for their powerful defense and disciplined style of play. Representing Alabama, Birmingham Iron football quickly gained attention for its toughness and fan support. Though short-lived, the team made a lasting impact on fans and remains a proud part of AAF history.
Established
2018
City
Birmingham
League History
2019 / Alliance of American Football
Team History
2019 / Birmingham Iron
Nickname
Iron – Birmingham has a rich sports history, and the Birmingham Iron of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) is no exception. The team's nickname pays homage to Alabama's industrial roots and its place in civil rights history.
Birmingham Iron Origin
The name "Iron" was chosen for two reasons: firstly, it serves to honor the steel industry that has been so integral to Birmingham’s economy over many decades; additionally, it pays tribute to an iconic moment in civil rights history when four African-American students from nearby Miles College were arrested while protesting segregation at City Hall on April 9th, 1963. As police officers took them away, they held up their arms and shouted, “We shall not be moved!” This courage earned them the moniker “the Four Iron Men."
By choosing this name for their franchise, Birmingham Iron owners hope that fans will remember these brave individuals who stood up against injustice during one of America's darkest times – something that should never be forgotten or overlooked. It also serves as a reminder that even though we may have come far since then, there is still much more work left before true equality can exist across all walks of life in America today.
For sports fans looking for an inspiring story behind their favorite team’s nickname - look no further than The Birmingham Iron!
Championship
AAF Championships 0
Stadium
2019 / Legion Field Stadium
Owner
2019 / Alliance of American Football
Coach
2019 / Tim Lewis
*Blue is this team’s history
- 2018
- 2018
- 2019
- 2019
- 2019
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Iron Team Formation
The Birmingham Iron was a professional American football franchise based in Birmingham, Alabama, 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 Legion Field. The Iron were coached by former National Football League player and coach Tim Lewis. Trey Brown ... -
Birmingham Iron name and logo were revealed
On September 20, 2018: The team name and logo were revealed as the Birmingham Iron, with black, silver, and white as the team colors. The name is a tribute to the city’s iron industry. -
The Iron played their first game
On February 10, 2019: The Iron played their first game at Legion Field against the Memphis Express, winning 26–0 and recording the first shutout in league history. -
Luis Perez – Birmingham Iron Quaterback
Luis Perez, the quarterback led the team in passing yards (1,048), touchdowns (3), and completions (64.8%). -
AAF and Iron 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.
Birmingham Iron History
The Birmingham Iron were a professional American football team that represented Birmingham, Alabama, in the Alliance of American Football (AAF). Founded in 2018, the Birmingham Iron football team was one of eight original franchises to join the newly established Birmingham Iron AAF league. The team played its home games at the historic Legion Field, a stadium that has been home to countless memorable football moments in Alabama’s rich sporting history.
The creation of the Birmingham Iron was officially announced in 2018, as part of the AAF’s effort to bring high-quality professional football to new markets across the country. The team was led by head coach Tim Lewis, a respected football mind with years of NFL coaching experience. From the start, the Birmingham Iron football program embraced a tough, defensive-minded identity that matched the city’s hardworking character and steel industry heritage — which inspired the team’s name, “Iron.”
During their only season in the Birmingham Iron AAF, the team quickly became known for its elite defense and strong execution. The Iron opened the 2019 season with an impressive win streak, led by quarterback Luis Perez and running back Trent Richardson. Richardson, a former Alabama Crimson Tide star, became the face of Birmingham Iron football, leading the league in rushing touchdowns and inspiring fans with his powerful runs and leadership.
Iron Achievements
The Birmingham Iron finished the 2019 AAF season with a 5–3 record, securing a playoff spot before the league’s operations were suspended. Their defense ranked among the top in the Birmingham Iron AAF, consistently limiting opponents to low scores and dominating the line of scrimmage. The team’s discipline, resilience, and dedication made them one of the standout squads in the short-lived league.
Even after the AAF folded, the Birmingham Iron left a strong legacy in the Alabama football community. Fans admired the team’s blue-collar mentality and how it reflected the city’s industrial roots. The Iron proved that Birmingham was ready and passionate about supporting professional football once again.
Defensive Dominance
One of the greatest strengths of the Birmingham Iron football team was its defense. Under Coach Tim Lewis, the Iron became a defensive powerhouse, holding opponents to an average of just 15 points per game. Linebacker Beniquez Brown and safety Jamar Summers were key playmakers, helping the team maintain one of the lowest scoring defenses in the Birmingham Iron AAF.
Trent Richardson’s Offensive Impact
Running back Trent Richardson was a major contributor to the Birmingham Iron football success. The former Alabama standout scored 11 rushing touchdowns during the season, becoming the AAF’s top scorer. His leadership on and off the field helped motivate teammates and excite fans across Birmingham.
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