A Wrap Up of the AAF
As most of you know, the Alliance of American Football has unfortunately come to a sudden end. While most people have been directing hate towards this league, I think it was on the brink of being a perfect feeder league to the NFL. I wish we could have at least finished the first season off, but the AAF did in fact do what it was trying to do. It was a one year feeder league. Immediately after the end of the AAF we saw players signing with NFL Teams. The first player was Rashad Ross. Ross played with the Arizona Hotshots. Ross had 7 touchdowns and one two point conversion in just 8 games. In less than a day after the AAF announcing it's collapse, Ross already found himself signing with the Panthers. And he wasn't the only one who caught scout's eyes. After Ross signed we saw Keith Reaser, the league's leader in interception, sign with the Chiefs. Then we saw Garrett Gilbert, the league's passing yard leader, sign with the Browns... and 40 players later, we have former AAF players scattered in the NFL. You can criticize the league all you want. You can't deny that it accomplished its goal. The league was a platform for players trying to get into the NFL. It gave opportunities and second chances to players who thought their professional careers could have been over. Let's talk about the last article I wrote about the AAF; it was called, "Damontre Moore: a Comeback Story". He was one of the players who really stuck out to me during his time with the San Diego Fleet. Moore was constantly causing problems for the opposing offense and was making a name for himself in the league. The final sentence in that article said, "Moore is writing his comeback story, so you should watch him before it's too late." Hopefully you listened to me and paid attention to him in those final games, because he's already back in the NFL. He signed with the 49ers where he can play defensive end along with Dee Ford, Deforest Buckner, and their first round pick. Don't be surprised if you see him making plays in the Bay. Next season expect to see AAF players on almost every roster, and hopefully this article changed your perspective on the AAF a little bit.
As for me, the AAF provided me with an opportunity of a lifetime. I was able to go to every single home Fleet game and get to interview the players and coaches as well as meet a ton of sports broadcasters and analysts. I created connections that will help me in my future, and I was able to pick up invaluable experience. I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and I have my entire future ahead of me. The opportunity the AAF gave me was something I've been dreaming about since I was 6 years old. I'm thankful for everyone who helped me during my time with the Alliance, and I believe that this is only the start of my career. I have my entire future ahead of me, and I'm confident that I will get another opportunity sooner than later!
To wrap everything up, the AAF provided opportunities. Opportunities for players, coaches, scouts, reporters, and writers like me. If it's going to the NFL or elsewhere, the AAF was a MUCH NEEDED feeder league for less than one season. Even though the Alliance didn't end well, the NFL still needs a developmental league and hopefully one pops up soon!
Thank you AAF!