Willie Howard, the former NFL linebacker recently named the Monsters’ senior consultant, understands that the AF1 carries responsibilities beyond winning. Most of its players are still chasing something. They need film, exposure and an opportunity to demonstrate that they can play professionally.
The six-team playoff format gives Nashville and Albany first-round byes. Minnesota will host Washington or Beaumont in the No. 3-versus-No. 6 quarterfinal, while Kentucky will host Michigan in the No. 4-versus-No. 5 matchup.
“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
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.
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 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,
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.
