The league plans to sign agreements with a specific, manageable target list of football tradition-rich universities and prominent stadiums. These universities will become "host universities" for an AAFL franchise. For their part, universities will be allowed to retain the revenues generated from parking and concessions and, possibly receive additional compensation through a stadium rental agreement with the AAFL. Because the league will play its games in the spring, the normally idle stadiums will be available for league play. The league will strive to avoid all normal conflicts that exist with the host college programs such as spring practice and spring games. Playing in the spring avoids competing for the traditional fall football fans of the NFL and college football, thus providing an extended season of quality football for those who crave the sport.
Each team will strive to be stocked with players that graduated from the host state's universities. Non-territorial players, such as
Eric Crouch, who won the
Heisman Trophy in 2001 as quarterback for the
Nebraska Cornhuskers, would be available for selection in the AAFL draft, which will take place on January 26, 2008. There is no provision in the league rules to include a players who are working on obtaining a degree. An AAFL release stated that a player "must, without exception, have earned a 4-year degree or more advanced degree to be eligible to play in League games." The release adds that other players may be invited to try out "in the hopes that the opportunity will inspire them to complete their education".
For its first season, the AAFL has six franchises. Although there is no indication that nicknames would never be used, due to fans' reactions as of January 1, 2008, the teams continue to be referred to as "Team Florida", "Team Texas", etc. The teams are:
- Alabama - ( Birmingham, Legion Field), coached by Mike Jones, former head coach of Frankfurt in NFL Europa. The team includes former Crimson Tide players (Reggie Myles, Alonzo Ephraim, and Marcus Spencer) and Kendall Mack from the Auburn Tigers.
- Arkansas - (Little Rock, War Memorial Stadium), coached by Ron Calcagni. Signed players include former Razorback stars Clint Stoerner and Anthony Lucas
- Florida - (Gainesville, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium) coached by Shane Matthews. Signed players include former Gators quarterback Chris Leak and former FSU standout and 1st round draft pick, Peter Warrick. The home opener will be played at Jacksonville and the final home game will be at Tampa.
- Michigan - (Detroit, Ford Field), coached by John Fontes, former assistant coach of the Detroit Lions. Players have been signed from the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and other colleges.
- Tennessee - (Knoxville, Neyland Stadium), coached by Andy Kelly. Signed former UT kicker, James Wilhoit.
- Texas - (Houston, Rice Stadium), coached by former University of Houston coach John Jenkins
Click to expand...