Javonte Haynes, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound defensive back, returns to the Minnesota Monsters as one of the most productive defensive players from the former Harbor Monsters roster, bringing championship pedigree and a reputation as a ball hawk in the secondary. The former Indiana University of Pennsylvania standout earned co-MVP honors in
Note: This is the second column in six-part series on the state of arena football — from the sport’s bruised past to its uncertain future — with a sharp focus on AF1, the upstart league the Duluth-based Minnesota Monsters will join when they relaunch in Spring 2026.
Arena Football One saw steady roster movement this week, as Minnesota continued reshaping its defense, Oregon added an SEC-tested defensive back and Beaumont released an offensive lineman. Minnesota signed linebacker/defensive lineman Robert Fuentes, a 6-foot-5, 235-pound product of Central Oklahoma, along with defensive back Jalen Hicks, a 5-9, 175-pound
AF1 is trying to prove that there’s still room for stable, professional arena football in mid-sized American markets — if the game is built more deliberately, more honestly and more humbly than the leagues that came before it.
The AF1 remained active through the Thanksgiving weekend, with several teams adding depth on both sides of the ball. Albany and Michigan bolstered their defenses, Kentucky added help in the secondary, and expansion club Oceanside made a significant roster push with five signings, including additions at quarterback, wide receiver, the
While the league office is playing whack-a-mole with arenas, contracts and owners who suddenly discovered how much hotels cost, the Minnesota Monsters are just sitting there like the adult at the kids’ table.
OCEANSIDE, Calif. — The Arena Football One League is expanding to Southern California, with the Oceanside Bombers beginning play in spring 2026. League officials and community leaders announced the new expansion team Wednesday at a press conference at Frontwave Arena, marking a milestone moment for the coastal city. “This is a
Michigan continued reshaping its roster Tuesday with four player signings, according to the AF1 transaction wire. The additions include defensive back Keyshawn Cunningham (5-10, 180) from Heidelberg University and linebacker Brian Horn (6-0, 235) from The Citadel. Michigan also signed wide receivers Drevon Macon (5-6, 160) from Kansas Wesleyan and
Arena Football One teams were active Friday as several franchises made roster moves ahead of the 2026 season. Beaumont led the day with three signings, bolstering both sides of the ball. The Renegades added defensive lineman Sidney Jones of Southern Connecticut State, wide receiver Jaydan Barral from Tyler Junior College,
Jerry Kurz on the Monsters: “Very strong franchise. We’re very selective. I get calls every week from people who want to join. But we have to be sure they’re giving something back to the community. Jake (Lambert, owner) and Steve (Walters, general manager and minority owner) want that."
