AFL dispersal draft and free agency dates set (UPDATED 12/3)AFL Press Release
The dates for the AFL Dispersal Draft and the beginning of the free-agent signing period have been rescheduled for Tuesday, December 9 and Thursday, December 11, respectively, the League announced today.
A Different Type of TryoutJeff Sims, ArenaFan.comThe Chicago Rush is taking a bit of a different approach for their next tryout that is taking place on November 7th. The tryout, which is taking place at its practice facility in Hoffman Estates, will obviously include all of the regular football drills, but how often do players receive instruction to learn the nuances of arena football?
AFL announces 2009 divisional alignmentAFL Press Release
The Arena Football League has realigned its divisions, placing the two-time (2006-07) Eastern Division Champion Dallas Desperados in the Southern Division. The Desperados spent the previous five seasons in the National Conference’s Eastern Division after spending their first two seasons in the American Conference.
Dispersal draft and free agent signing period delayed temporarilyAFL Press Release
Pending an in-person meeting between the Arena Football League and the Arena Football League Players Association, the Dispersal Draft and the date teams can begin signing free agents have been temporarily delayed.
Sportexe: Bringing Arena Football to YouRandy Snow, ArenaFan.comWhen Jim Foster came up with the game of Arena Football back in 1981, he envisioned a unique game played on a unique indoor field. After 22 seasons, the game continues to attract new fans every year. But just who is in charge of making all the unique equipment used by the AFL such as the rebound nets?
October team-by-team updateAFL Press Release
All 17 Arena Football League teams are staying busy this offseason by re-signing players, hosting open tryouts, participating in various community activities and much more. Following is a team-by-team rundown of the latest happenings around the AFL.
Impressive crop of veterans available in 2009 free agencyAFL Press Release
2008 Champs Sports Quarterback of the Year MATT D’ORAZIO (ArenaBowl XX, XXII) and 2008 Russell Athletic Team Leader of the Year QB MARK GRIEB (ArenaBowl XVIII, XXI), MVPs of four ArenaBowls, including the last three, and opponents in the most recent title game on July 27, headline a list of 172 free agents who are eligible to be contacted by teams today.
Rush hires D-line coachChicago Daily Herald
Purnsley, a veteran assistant coach with 10 years of experience in the Arena Football League, comes to Chicago after spending the last five seasons as the defensive coordinator with the Colorado Crush.
Baker’s Abrupt Departure Shouldn’t Hurt Long LegacyAdam Markowitz, ArenaFan.comFor those that don’t know me, I’ve been around this game for a long time. However, out of every game, every trade, every free agent signing, every victory and every defeat I’ve witnessed, there has not been a more intriguing and mystifying day in Arena Football League history than Friday, July 25, 2008.
Rush promotes Schwartze to Defensive CoordinatorChicago Rush Press Release
The Chicago Rush has promoted assistant coach Brian Schwartze to the position of defensive coordinator, the team announced today.
Rush, GM Polisky win AFL awardsChicago Daily Herald
The Chicago Rush won the 2008 Arena Football League Commissioner's Award, given to the league's organization of the year, and Rush president/general manager Mike Polisky was named the league's executive of the year, the AFL announced Friday night at its annual awards banquet.
Ex-Rush QB back in big way, in big gameChicago Tribune
"I'd be lying to you if I said I wasn't a little bit hurt [when released]," said D'Orazio, who quarterbacked the Rush to a 2006 ArenaBowl title. "I thought for sure I was going back to Chicago and was working on my rehab when I got the news."
Healed D'Orazio is Soul's new starChicago Tribune
After the Rush released him last November because it was uncertain about his recovery from back surgery, the 31-year-old quarterback found new life in Philadelphia.
Commissioner Baker resignsAdam Markowitz, ArenaFan.comOn Friday, the Associated Press reported that Arena Football League Commissioner David Baker resigned from his position after twelve seasons. The report was sent in at 5:18 CT by Barry Wilner. The shocking decision comes two days before ArenaBowl XXII between the Philadelphia Soul and San Jose SaberCats.
ArenaBowl XXII Podcast InterviewsArenaFan.com Press Release
ArenaFan.com brings you interviews from Radio Row at ArenaBowl XII in New Orleans
Beat the Guru: ArenaBowl XXIIAdam Markowitz, ArenaFan.comWelcome to the big time, boys and girls! After 17 weeks of regular season play, three weeks of postseason play, and an absolutely unnecessary bye week, we’ve finally hit the week of ArenaBowl XXII, and you’ve hit your headquarters for the gambling scoop on the 2008 title game.
Truth, consequences, for PiratesPeoria Journal Star
Sometimes, numbers lie. Sometimes, they tell the truth. The Peoria Pirates pled to both counts Saturday after they closed their 2008 af2 home schedule with a 54-40 loss to South Division leader South Georgia before 3,037 at Carver Arena.
Getting DefensiveAndy Lopusnak, ArenaFan.comOver the last three seasons, the Arena Football League has seen an explosion of offense and points. In the league’s first 19 years, there was just one quarterback with 100 or more passing touchdowns. Three years later, seven times there’s been a gunslinger reaching the century mark. But the growing trend in this seemingly defenseless league has been to hire defensive-minded head coaches.
Al Lucas Hero Team honors community all-starsAFL Press Release
The Al Lucas Hero Award is presented annually to the player who makes the most significant contribution to both his community and the game of Arena Football. The award was created in honor of the late Los Angeles Avengers lineman AL LUCAS, who believed in both giving back to his community and growing the AFL.
Aaron's AFL Dream Team to participate in Virgin Mobile ArenaBowl XXII New Orleans weekendAFL Press Release
The Arena Football League’s postseason is entering conference championship weekend and while the match-up for Virgin Mobile ArenaBowl XXII is yet to be determined, there is one team that has been assured of a trip to New Orleans.
