AF1’s approach — structured evaluation, real coaching, honest feedback and decisive action — has turned the National Scouting Combine into more than a showcase. It has become a proving ground. And for those who proved themselves once the pads went on, it has already paid off.
Week 1: vs. Minnesota Monsters — Apr. 11 Week 2: BYE Week 3: vs Oregon Lightning — Apr. 25 Week 4: vs Washington Wolfpack — May 2 Week 5: at Kentucky Barrels — May 9 Week 6: BYE Week 7: BYE Week 8: at Oceanside Bombers — May 30 Week 9: vs Beaumont Renegades — June
“A great first day here at the combine as we begin with players doing all of the on-field testing consisting of the short shuttle, three-cone drill, 40-yard dash, vertical and bench press." -- Gary Compton, AF1 director of football operations
AF1’s real challenge is not production quality or rule tweaks or even competitive balance. It is relevance. And relevance, in 2026, is earned by showing up — consistently, freely, and without friction — in the lives of people who didn’t know they were fans yet.
“The city of Duluth embraced this team when they were the Duluth Harbor Monsters. Going to all these games — for me to take that away from them would have been selfish.” -- New Minnesota Monsters owner Jacob Lambert
Several teams across AF1 continued to reshape their rosters Thursday, adding depth through signings at multiple positions. Michigan led the activity, adding four players across offense and defense. The Wolverines signed Joel Blankenship, a 6-foot-1, 250-pound fullback and linebacker from Southern Illinois, and wide receiver Arron Foulkes, a 5-foot-8, 160-pound
Michigan continued to add depth across its roster Wednesday, announcing the signings of four players who bolster the defensive line, linebacker corps and wide receiver room. Doug Malcolm, a 6-foot-6, 330-pound defensive lineman from Albion College, joins the Arsenal as one of the largest additions up front. Michigan also added
Duluth has always supported teams that show up honestly and invest consistently. The formula hasn’t changed. Don’t overpromise. Don’t disappear when things get hard. Build something people can recognize as theirs. When that happens, this city responds — not with blind loyalty, but with earned trust.
1. Vegas Knight Hawks (IFL) 2. Albany Firebirds (AF1) 3. Green Bay Blizzard (IFL) 4. Nashville Kats (AF1) 5. Arizona Rattlers (IFL) 6. Minnesota Monsters (AF1) 7. Fishers Freight (IFL) 8. Orlando Pirates (IFL) 9. Quad City Steamwheelers (IFL) 10. Tulsa Oilers (IFL) "Vegas has to be considered the
Twelve games per team. A defined start in April. A defined finish in July. Balanced home-and-away slates. Built-in byes. Repeat matchups that suggest geography matters again. It reads less like a marketing flyer and more like an operating plan.
Minnesota’s home schedule begins in Week 7, when Nashville visits. Kentucky comes to Minnesota in Week 8.
AF1 teams Minnesota, Michigan and Washington announced several roster moves today. Minnesota added depth on defense and size up front, Michigan bolstered its offensive line, and Washington saw one player sign with the Canadian Football League. One release was also announced. Recent Transactions Signings Jarvai Flowers, WR, 6-foot, 180 pounds,
“Winning changes the city. When you see jerseys on kids, when people are stopping you at the grocery store, when you feel that excitement start to build every season — that’s when you understand why this matters.” -- Ja’Vonte Johnson
The Minnesota Monsters have hired legendary veteran football executive and longtime coach Jaysen “Yogi” Howard-Smith as the team’s special teams coordinator. Howard-Smith arrives with a uniquely broad resume across the 50-yard game and the football industry, having served in roles ranging from player personnel manager and head coach to
With Derrizett Croop coaching both offensive and defensive fronts, Minnesota also gains a unified voice — consistent technique standards, shared terminology and a system built around player development rather than roster churn.
Stability is the real product. If teams stay in their markets, if players get paid on time, if the community sees the league year after year, the perception changes. But you can’t fix 30 years of history overnight.
