JOINT VENTURE!

New Orleans, Louisiana:  The two Louisiana ownership groups ( New Orleans and Shreveport) apparently will be joining forces to accomplish their AFFA expansion goals. Many football experts applaud the joint venture.

" We decided it would be in our best interest to work together and bring quality Spring football to Louisiana. " said Reggie Leboeuf ( member of New Orleans group). " Every thing is still in the planning stages, but moving along well "

Leboeuf went on to say that the franchise will be located in New Orleans. However, it is rumored that the franchise will play two home games in Shreveport. Name of the franchise will be revealed at a later date.

TRAINING CAMP NEWS- 1/25/18

Training Camp News:  Albuquerque Aztecs head coach Jim Fassel has stated that defensive lineman Billy Winn suffered a slight sprain in his left ankle but isn't expected to miss any significant amount of time.

Arkansas Diamond Miners head coach Gary Crowton said in a radio interview Wednesday afternoon that he is pleased with how the running game is coming together. The Diamond Miners have suffered with the running game the last couple years, finishing near the bottom in yards gained.  He is hoping that the addition of Lorenzo Long and Kevin Monangai will jump start the running game.. Veterans Jordan Canzeri and Brandon Rutley add leadership. Let's not forget Samaje Perine out of Oklahoma who is always dangerous out of the backfield, despite not getting much playing time.

Los Angeles Pharoahs head coach Chris Jones said he will give his team Thursday off. " We have put in some hard two a days the past week or so and I think they deserve a breather. " said Jones.

Memphis HoundDogs head coach Philip Fulmer said there is still no word from starting quarterback Ricky Ray on whether he will be retiring or when he will come to camp. Rookie J.T Barrett has been getting much needed time and practice with the Hounddogs play book. Fulmer said that if and when Ray returns, he will be the starter.

Oklahoma Gunslingers quarterback Matt Johnson looked in mid season form Thursday, completing 11 of 13 passes including two deep throws to favorite wideout Chandler Jones. Linebacker Trevon Young sat out Thursday's practice due to a stomach virus. Veteran running back Cyrus Gray has suffered a bruised shoulder during Wednesday's practice and not expected to return till Saturday.

Dallas Outlaws head coach Kippy Brown said that backup quarterback AJ McCarron has looked very impressive this past week as starter Mike Reilly has rested a sore bicep muscle in his throwing arm. He went on to say that the job is still Reilly's, defusing any talk of a quarterback controversy.

TRAINING CAMP NEWS- 1/22/2018

Training Camp News-:  Hartford Sentinels rookie quarterback Mike White out of Western Kentucky, looked impressive during workouts yesterday afternoon.  White completed 8 of the 9 passes he threw, including a 57 yarder to rookie Stacey Coley.

" Mike is a very talented young man with a good arm. He is smart and has great patience. " said Sentinels head coach Jerry Glanville.

Starter Connor Halliday completed 7 of 12 passes and threw two picks.  " I feel good. It is great to be back! There is a positive attitude about the upcoming season. I think coach Glanville is responsible for working to get everyone excited. We have some very talented guys out here." said Halliday.

Also:

Michigan Panthers offensive lineman JR Sweezy sat out practice yesterday due to a stomach virus. He should be back Thursday.
Defensive back Corey White suffered a laceration on his right hand that required 3 stitches. He remained at practice.

Birmingham Beast running back Rasheed Williams and head coach Norv Turner got into a brief shouting match, but it was played down as a misunderstanding.

Arkansas Diamond Miners running back/quarterback Trent Steelman is reportedly considering retirement. No official announcement has been made as of yet..

St.Louis Scouts back up quarterback Patrick Towles is looking impressive with the limited amount of throws thus far. Towles will back up starter Robert Griffin III.  New Scouts head coach Hugh Freeze says there is no quarterback controversy. RG3 will be the starter.

Training Camp News!

January 19, 2019

Training Camp News-  Miami Sharks Linebacker JC Sherritt announced that he will retire from football after the 2019 season.  Also, Sharks star running back Jay Ajayi has stated that he will jump to the NFL after the 2019 season. 

New York Empire quarterback Johnny Manziel was late reporting to camp siting personal reasons. Empire head coach John Fox had no comment, but Manziel was fined $5,000 per day of the 3 days he missed.

Arkansas Diamond Miners rookie running back Lorenzo Long reportedly pulled a back muscle during workouts Friday afternoon. Head coach Gary Crowton says Long will rest and should be ready for the season opener against Houston. Also, defensive back Damien Swann has a slight sprain of his right ankle but is expected back in a couple days.

TRAINING CAMPS OFFICIALLY OPENING!

The Associated Football Franchises of America will open Training Camps for all franchises tomorrow morning. Quarterbacks, wideouts, Running backs and defensive lineman report in the morning 1-15-2019. Everyone else to report Wednesday 1-16-2019.

Boldin Retires!

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:  The Pittsburgh Ironmen have released wide receiver Anquan Boldin and added him to the retirement list.

" Anquan informed me Friday morning that it was his intention to retire from football. He has been released and we wish him luck in whatever he chooses to do in his life. " said Ironmen head coach Jim Fassel.

Boldin played for the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions of the NFL before signing to play for the Ironmen of the AFFA .

DECISIONS! DECISIONS!

Memphis, Tennessee:  Future CFL Hall of Famer and Memphis Hounddogs quarterback Ricky Ray is still contemplating his football future. Ray has two CFL Grey Cup titles under his belt and had passed for almost 14,000 yards and 62 touchdowns in his AFFA career. Yet a Pantheon Cup title has eluded him.

Ray has spent his entire AFFA career with the Hounddogs and head coach Philip Fulmer is patiently waiting his veteran quarterbacks decision. The Hounddogs recently signed quarterback T.J Barrett as heir apparent if Ray decides to call it a career.

" Obviously we would love to have Ricky (Ray) back. But we understand and will respect whatever decision he makes. " said head coach Philip Fulmer.

With AFFA training camps opening in just about a week, fans are anxious to hear the status of the Hounddogs quarterback . No time clock has been set on a decision , and the Hounddogs organization is waiting patiently.

" I have been thinking hard about whether returning to play is in my best interest. I have been talking it over with my wife, family and friends, and they have been very supportive. I would love to play again, but I have alot to consider. My health and how the grind of another season will have on my body. The desire to play is still there and I still enjoy playing the game. " said Ray.

Del Rio Expects Playoff Run for Philly in 2019!

  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:  New Philadelphia Freedom head coach Jack Del Rio says that expects the Freedom to cross the hurdle and make a playoff run in 2019. His statement was made on the team radio show Friday afternoon.

" I see this team making the playoffs this year. I honestly do! I feel these guys are hungry not only to make the playoffs, but make some noise while there. I think the city of Philadelphia deserves another football championship. The Eagles were able to win the Super Bowl last season and seem poised to possibly make another run this season.

" We have the talent to bring a Pantheon Cup to the city of Philadelphia and prove spring football thrives in the city of Philadelphia. I not only believe it, I expect it!" said Del Rio.

The Freedom in their now four years of existence have been slow starters, only to finish strong. In 2018 the Freedom slogged through the first half of the season at 1-8, then caught fire winning seven straight to finish at 8-8 for the second consecutive year and missing the playoffs.

The Freedom are a talented bunch and with Del Rio's positive influence and direction. The Freedom could very well be considered a top playoff contender for 2019. It is expected to be a very competitive training camp as Del Rio has said every starting role is up for grabs.

" Come camp, everything is wide open. I want these guys to come to camp with a fire in their gut. A willingness to give a 110% every day. " stated Del Rio.

An intense competition at quarterback is expected as starter Alex Tanney is expected to be challenged hard by veteran Drew Willy.

The running game will likely be led by veterans Brandon Whitaker and John Crockett. The addition of Elijah McGuire should keep Whitaker and Crockett on their toes. Let's not forget the explosive Kory Sheets and Joe Williams who could easily slip into the starting role.

The recieving corps is extremely talented with D'Haquille "Duke" Williams,  Fred Stamps and Ty Hilton. Add in Rod Streater and CFL veteran Weston Dressler and you have the potential to have a very dangerous passing game .

The tight end position is going to be contested by starter Khari Lee and rookie Scott Orndoff. Lee is expected to keep his starting role.

The offensive line led by Quinton Spain, Jeff Linkenbach and Qadar Spooner is a veteran group that will be tested by Joe Dahl, Ted Karras and rookies Tyrell Crosby and Colby Garrett. Veterans Chris Best, Cameron Fleming, Skylar Phillips and L'Adrian Waddle add much needed depth.

The linebackers are some of the best in the league. Led by veterans Danny Trevathan, John Simon and Kwon Alexander. The addition of rookies Shaquem Griffen and Avery Ellis will certainly add more depth to a already talented group.

Defensive line will be led by veterans Andrew Hudson, Phillip Hunt and Tristan Okpalaugo along with Stanley Maponga. Darius Philon, Damien Borel and Ja'Gared Davis add depth.

Bacarri Rambo will lead the secondary. Along with Terell Floyd, DJ White and All AFFA Xavier Woods.  Dane Cruikshank, Ronald Martin and rookies Davonte Harris and Joshua Kalu will push to impress once camp starts.

Rookies Zane Gonzalez (kicker) and Kyle Loomis ( punter) will handle the kicking duties.

After all is said and done, it should be interesting to keep an eye on the Philadelphia Freedom training camp and the effect head coach Jack Del Rio will have on this sometime underachieving bunch.