They just want to put on pads and helmets and play tackle football, “so this gives them a chance,” Myles said. They have families, jobs, responsibilities.
“Some guys just have to build up their skill set,” he said.Īnd a few AFL players have done just that, using experience gained in the league and exposure from its YouTube channel to land spots on junior college teams or professional indoor teams.īut the majority of players aren’t looking beyond the AFL. He understands football dreams, and he knows those dreams are part of what the AFL is all about. Myles was over 40 before he finally retired. Myles was all-Big 8 Conference as a cornerback at Oklahoma State and played professionally in Canada and various arena league from 1996-2004, including the Alaska Wild for the final four years of his career. In the press box turning phrases like “it’s fourth-and-Wasilla” was Delvin Myles, a 1990 Bartlett High grad who is a member of the Alaska Football League’s Hall of Fame. On the field was a chain gang composed of young women called “Ball Babes.” Between quarters, little kids were invited onto the field for sumo-bopper contests and other games. We keep the costs low because it’s a community league, and that’s important to us.”Īt a game earlier this month between the Greatland Packers and Anchorage Cowboys, the Cowboys cruised to a 40-0 victory in front of a crowd of about 150. “We’re going on 11 years and we’re proud to have been able to keep it around.
“It’s low-budget entertainment,” said Abe Hernandez, who started the league. The league pays for officials and stadium rentals through sponsorships and team fees, while players chip in for uniforms and equipment.
Tickets are $5 for adults and free for kids. It’s a five-team amateur league that plays 9-on-9 football from early August to mid-October, with most of the games played under the lights at Anchorage Football Stadium. We’re tryin’ to stay in shape, tryin’ to get noticed, tryin’ to get in some conditioning.”įootball isn’t exactly a lifetime sport, but the Alaska Football League gives guys like Su’a a chance to keep playing after their high school or college days are over.Ĭreated in 2008, the AFL has long outlived its beginnings as a development league for the long-gone Alaska Wild professional indoor football team. “Because football’s not just a game to us. “Keepin’ the dream alive,” said Sone Su’a, a 23-year-old defensive end with the Greatland Packers. The GDFL Communications Office contributed to this article.They sweat and suffer for a game they just can’t quit. We are excited about the upcoming season and look forward to “Making AN IMPACT” in our Community.įans can visit our website at for upcoming announcements, ticketing info, and player tryouts.
Our organization would like to thank you for your support. The Gridiron Developmental Football League continues to strive to provide a quality minor professional level of football throughout the United States and beyond giving area athletes and fans the opportunity be a part of history. Our commitment, dedication, and vision are set on building a firm foundation for professionalism and quality. We are looking at partnering with national and local area businesses in our pursuit of excellence and commitment to our community.
This League was established to provide the community with high quality sports entertainment and to provide athletes the opportunity to participate in professional sports. The Gridiron Developmental Football League is a Professional Developmental Football League based in Memphis, Tennessee. The GDFL would like to wish Markus Steele & The Cleveland Rams the best of luck on his new coaching position.
Steele was waived on August 31, 2004, after playing in 42 games (12 starts), while totaling 71 tackles (49 solo) and 33 special teams tackles. (2001-2003) Steele was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 4th round (122nd overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. The next year he had 61 tackles (third on the team), 17 tackles for loss (led the team) and 3 sacks. He played with a shoulder injury that required surgery at the end of the season, finishing with 91 tackles (second on the team), 62 solo tackles, 12 tackles for loss (led the team), 3 sacks, 6 passes defensed, one interception, 3 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. In 1999, he transferred to the University of Southern California and was given the number 55, which is a school tradition reserved for the best linebackers.Īs a junior he was named the starter at weak-side linebacker. As a sophomore he registered 93 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 blocked kicks, 4 carries for 39 yards (9.8-yard avg ) and 2 touchdowns, while helping the team achieve a No. He enrolled at Long Beach City College, where he collected 96 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 8 sacks and 2 interceptions in his first year.