New football team announced
AAFL bringing pro franchise to Ford Field
By Jon Malavolti
C & G Sports Writer
DETROIT — A new professional football team will give local gridiron fans something to cheer about this spring at Ford Field. And while they don’t yet have a name, don’t call Michigan’s All American Football League franchise "minor league."
“We’re a professional football league, scratch the minor league, we can get rid of that today,” said Keenan Davis, the league’s vice president of football operations, Aug. 14 at Ford Field.
Davis was joined by several AAFL executives in announcing the formation of a team in Michigan and an “agreement in principle” for the team to play at Ford Field when the league kicks off its inaugural season in April.
Also in attendance at the announcement was former Center Line St. Clement football star and NFL Hall of Fame member Joe DeLamielleure, who went on to become an All-American lineman at Michigan State University before enjoying an 11-year career in the NFL. DeLamielleure is working as a consultant for the league.
“Football ends too quickly for everybody, and this will give guys a chance to get to play some more,” DeLamielleure said.
What will make the AAFL unique is the league’s requirement that all players have not only used up their collegiate eligibility, but also earned their undergraduate degree.
“These are uncharted waters,” DeLamielleure said. "I’m just excited about the whole concept."
While many details are still being worked out, the AAFL has pledged to keep ticket prices affordable and create a collegiate football atmosphere in a pro setting. League executives said they plan to sell tickets for as low as $10.
As far as creating rosters, the league wants to place players on the team nearest to their respective alma maters, thus hoping to bring out diehard college fans.
The AAFL has already announced franchises in Florida, Alabama and Arkansas; it is working on prospective teams in Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina and Indiana, according to the league’s Web site.
A Detroit tryout is tentatively planned in September. For more information, visit the league’s Web site at www.allamericanfootballleague.com. |
