“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.
“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
“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
The Minnesota Monsters have made their move by stepping into a stronger league and bringing the team into Amsoil. Tuesday afternoon is the community’s opportunity to meet the players, see the vision for the franchise and decide whether Duluth intends to build something lasting around it.
The looming television and streaming announcement may become the league’s most visible milestone yet. It will not just determine how fans watch games. It will determine how sponsors value the league, how players view its legitimacy and how teams recruit talent.
For players attending this week’s event, the National Scouting Combine offers exposure to multiple professional pathways. For leagues such as AF1, it provides a centralized environment to identify talent, verify performance metrics and begin roster planning well ahead of training camps.
After retiring as a player, Jackson moved into coaching and quickly rose through the indoor ranks. He spent multiple seasons with the Salina Liberty, eventually taking over as defensive coordinator.
DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Monsters have reloaded their roster ahead of the 2026 Arena Football One season, announcing the signings of 13 new players as the franchise prepares for its first year in the league. The Monsters added a mix of veteran experience and young athleticism, highlighted by newcomers De’
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."
Arena Football One teams were active this week with roster moves ahead of the 2026 season. Washington placed two players on league suspension, while Michigan and Beaumont made multiple additions. League Suspensions . Jaiave Magalei, quarterback, Washington — 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, East Texas A&M . Faleaoga Russell, offensive lineman, Washington — 6-foot-5,