Yesterday, I watched a one hour long special, for the 1st inaugural Draft for the AAFL. I'm not sure what to think. It mostly looks like a bunch of players that couldn't make onto NFL rosters. But regardless, I am looking forward to the games. It just might satisfy me during the dead time after the NFL draft. Not really sure what kind of TV contract the league has though.
One thing I like, is the way they have structured the League and draft rights to players, to allow for a sort of local fan base. The current six teams are allowed exclusive rights to players from universities from within their own states, or within neighboring states......in other words
Team Arkansas...Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas
Team Alabama....Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama
Team Tennessee...South Carolina, Kentucky, Tenn
Team Michigan...Illinois, Indiana, Michigan
Team Florida and Texas...only from within their own states, because of the huge player/University base.
***All other states and Universities are up for grabs
Some other notes:
***College style goal posts and Hash marks, 35 yard OT ball spot....all other NFL rules.
***10 game schedule from April thru July, One playoff round and then Championship game.
***Players salaries topped out at $50,000 dollars
***Tickets for games about $13 dollars
***Players must graduate from college
Some of the players I recognized....
Eric crouch.......Drafted 2nd overall
Peter Warrick.....NFL BUST
Tee Martin......QB Tenn, 8 years ago
Tony Bua........Loved this guy out of Arkansas
Marcus Randall...QB out of LSU a couple years ago
Check out the site and draft results:
All American Football League