The Alliance of American Football is nearing the end of its inaugural season. The league has made a tremendous impact on players trying to get back to the NFL. So far this season, ratings and attendance have been surprising for the new league. The play on the field is not terrible either. Players are making a name for themselves like Garrett Gilbert, Greg Ward Jr., Trent Richardson, Zac Stacy, and more. However, all of this could soon be coming to an end.
According to USA Today’s Kevin Allen and Mike Jones, AAF CEO and Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon said, “If the players union is not going to give the young players a chance, we cannot be considered a development league.” Dundon furthered his comments by saying “We are looking at our options, one of which is discontinuing the league.” The goal of this league was to become a developmental league for the NFL. The truth is, the NFL does not want a developmental league. Otherwise, they would have kept the NFL Europe league going or start one here in the United States. Players in this league are thankful that they are getting a chance to continue playing the game they love. Otherwise, its either the CFL or the Arena/Indoor Football leagues.
Players come and go; some will get an opportunity to make an NFL team, and still, others may never play in the NFL. This league allows those players who still want to play the game a chance to continue developing their skills in hopes of getting another crack at the NFL. The AAF has given these players another place to play football. They should not worry about getting the NFLPA to agree to allow players on NFL teams to play during the offseason. Instead, they should focus on what they have. They have players; they have big-name coaches like Steve Spurrier and have a product that fans so far have enjoyed.
The AAF should not worry about being a developmental league for the NFL. They should instead focus on continuing to build the best brand of football. They do not compete against the NFL as they start their season a week after the SuperBowl. They are slowly building an audience which is gaining recognition for their innovative technology. Fans can now listen to the judges make calls during instant replays and challenges along with listening to the coaches who are miked up during the games. Some interesting conversations can be heard during the games.
The AAF is a good league; it would be ashamed to see it fold and become another stat of failed leagues in the history books.
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