The San Antonio Commanders were part of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) and represented Texas with pride. The San Antonio Commanders AAF team quickly became one of the league’s most exciting franchises. With a loyal fan base and competitive play, the team showcased determination and skill throughout their memorable football history.
Established
2018
City
San Antonio
League History
2019 / Alliance of American Football
Team History
2019 / San Antonio Commanders
Nickname
Commanders – The San Antonio Commanders of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) have been making waves in the sports world since their inception earlier this year. But many don’t know that their name has a deep and meaningful origin story rooted in Texas history.
When it came time to choose a team name, Commanders was an obvious choice for owner Tom Brady and his team's leadership. The word "commander" evokes strength, power, courage, and honor - all qualities essential to success on and off the football field.
San Antonio Commanders Origin
But there’s more than meets the eye regarding why they chose “Commanders” specifically; its roots can be traced back centuries ago when Spanish conquistadors arrived in present-day Texas with orders from King Carlos I of Spain: “Conquer or Die!” This phrase became known as El Mandamiento de Dios (The Commandment from God), which eventually evolved into simply Los Comandantes—the commanders who fought bravely against insurmountable odds for freedom and justice throughout early Texas history.
By honoring these courageous men through their namesake today, San Antonio Commands pays tribute not only to those who fought before them but also sets an example for future generations about how vital perseverance is even during difficult times such as these we currently find ourselves living through now due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions around sports events across America right now.
With every snap taken by each one of its players wearing proudly emblazoned uniforms bearing Los Comandantes insignia on them during games played at home at Alamodome Stadium here in San Antonio, TX., fans can rest assured knowing that they're partaking not just any ordinary sporting event but instead one steeped deeply within historical significance going back centuries ago.
Championship
AAF Championships 0
Stadium
2019 / Alamodome
Owner
2019 / Alliance of American Football
Coach
2019 / Mike Riley
*Blue is this team’s history
- 2018
- 2019
- 2019
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Commanders Team Formation
The San Antonio Commanders were a professional American football franchise based in San Antonio, Texas, and one of the eight members of the Alliance of American Football (AAF). The league began to play in February 2019. The team played their home games at the Alamodome. The team was led by head coach Mike Riley. -
Commanders’ plays thier first game
The Commanders’ first game was a 15–6 win at home against the San Diego Fleet on Saturday, February 9, 2019. -
AAF and Commanders 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. The league left debts of over $1.4 million to three local hotels and $200,000 to a catering business.
San Antonio Commanders History
The San Antonio Commanders were a professional American football team based in San Antonio, Texas. Competing in the Alliance of American Football (AAF), the San Antonio Commanders AAF franchise began play in 2019 under head coach Mike Riley. They played their home games at the Alamodome, where thousands of loyal fans filled the stands each week.
The San Antonio Commanders AAF team was officially announced in 2018 as part of the league’s inaugural lineup. Their roster featured a mix of talent from Texas-based universities, including the UTSA Roadrunners, Baylor Bears, and Rice Owls. This local connection helped the team quickly gain strong regional support. Led by quarterback Logan Woodside, the Commanders’ offense became one of the most dynamic in the AAF, with Woodside throwing for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns while completing nearly 70% of his passes.
Despite facing injuries in key positions, the San Antonio Commanders managed to remain one of the most competitive and entertaining teams in the league. Their defense, anchored by standout players like Jayrone Elliott, delivered consistent performances and kept opponents on edge throughout the season. The team finished with a 5–3 record before the AAF abruptly suspended operations in April 2019 due to financial challenges.
Major Achievements
Even though the league ended prematurely, the San Antonio Commanders football team left behind a legacy of excitement, community engagement, and passionate fan support. Their home games at the Alamodome often drew some of the highest attendance numbers in the league, proving that San Antonio remains a strong football city ready for future opportunities.
Strong Fan Support
One of the greatest achievements of the San Antonio Commanders was building one of the largest and most loyal fan bases in the AAF. The Alamodome regularly hosted over 27,000 fans per game, making it one of the most attended venues in the league.
Offensive Prowess
Led by quarterback Logan Woodside, the San Antonio Commanders football team showcased one of the most balanced and high-scoring offenses in the league. Running backs Kenneth Farrow II and Trey Williams combined for more than 700 rushing yards, while Woodside’s precision passing made the offense a constant threat.
Defensive Excellence
Defensively, the San Antonio Commanders AAF squad stood out with linebacker Jayrone Elliott leading the league in sacks before the season’s cancellation. The team’s ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks made them one of the most feared defensive units in the short-lived AAF.
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