Albany Firebirds
AF1 Notebook
Albany quarterback Josh Kulka was named Arena Football One Player of the Week after throwing five touchdown passes in a 50-23 win over Minnesota on Saturday night. The Firebirds (1-0) visit Oregon (1-0) on Saturday night.
Howie: AF1 opens with Albany atop Fan Zone rankings
The structure of the opening weekend leaves little room for gradual buildup. For Albany, it is a chance to reaffirm its position. For Minnesota and the rest of the field, it is an early test of whether preseason projections hold or begin to shift.
Howie: Castronova signing with UFL the talk of AF1
Castronova’s signing validates the league as a legitimate proving ground. Producing talent that advances to the UFL strengthens AF1’s credibility. At the same time, it underscores the league’s challenge: retaining elite players long enough to build recognizable stars.
Howie: Monsters open training camp
“The guys are expected to play fast, know what they're doing, communicate, make sure they stay in the weight room, eat well, and take care of their bodies because you can't make the club in the tub.” -- Minnesota Monsters head coach Daron Clark Jr.
Howie: Arena Football One teams begin training camps
“As a league, we’re proud of where we stand entering our second year and even more excited about where we’re headed. We’re committed to growing the game and taking Arena Football to the next level." -- AF1's Gary Compton
Howie: Monsters QB Johnson our 2026 AF1 Preseason Player of the Year
“We’re not coming into a new league to blend in. We’re coming to compete, and compete at the highest level.” -- Minnesota Monsters' Ja’Vonte Johnson
Albany, Nashville and Minnesota top three in AF1 preseason poll
Defending Arena Football One playoff champion Albany Firebirds collected the No. 1 ranking in the annual 50YardFootball.com AF1 preseason poll, released Tuesday. The Nashville Kats, the 2025 playoff runner-ups, ranks second. The Minnesota Monsters are third in as they transition after capturing The Arena League championships in 2024 and
2026 Albany Firebirds Schedule / Results
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
2026 Top-10 Not-Too-Early 50 Yard Football Rankings
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