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
Ja’Vonte Johnson
Howie: Arena football battles history and perception as new and old leagues try to chart a stable future
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.
Duluth’s Harbor Monsters show what happens when a city dares to dream
If the Harbor Monsters lift another trophy come this fall, it’ll belong to Duluth as much as the players in uniform — a testament to what’s possible when a city dares to dream together.
The Arena League begins 2024 season today
The Arena League debuts Saturday with two games: Duluth Harbor Monsters at Kansas City Goats and Iowa Woo at Ozarks Lunkers. Both profession indoor football games will begin at 7:05 p.m. (CST). All four league teams will play an eight-game regular season schedule, including four home games, and
Harbor Monsters open Saturday
The Duluth Harbor Monsters, one of four teams in the inaugural Arena League, will play host to nonconference Up 1 Athletic Showcase on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Duluth Arena. Duluth is led by quarterback Ja’Vonte Johnson.