The name Minnesota Monsters reflects an opportunity to attract fans from across northern Minnesota rather than solely from Duluth. If the organization continues to build on its current foundation, the franchise could become a long-term community and economic asset for the Twin Ports region.
Johnson drilled a 29-yard field goal in his team's first possession in overtime Saturday night, lifting the Minnesota Monsters to a dramatic 30-27 victory over Michigan in an Arena Football One game that felt exactly like the kind of chaos arena football was built to manufacture.
Howie's daily column is sponsored by Lyric Kitchen Bar. The old arena football line — the one repeated for years by quarterbacks, coaches, and every guy selling the game as organized chaos — is that nobody really runs the football anymore. Tell that to Shannon Brooks, who is stomping through
At 3-1, the Monsters have positioned themselves among the early contenders in the nine-team AF1, doing so with a formula that looks noticeably different from many of the league’s more pass-heavy offenses. Minnesota has leaned into physical football, defensive pressure and ball control
Javonte Johnson believes the chemistry inside Minnesota’s locker room has helped stabilize a first-year franchise navigating the grind of an unforgiving opening month. “Everybody’s like a family, and we stick together no matter what,” he said.
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.
“We’re going to bring joy to people and we’re going to do it through football. Football’s our tool. Football’s our vehicle.” -- Minnesota Monsters general manager Meadow Lemon
“I want to be the greatest D lineman to ever play arena football. So that's why I'm still out here crafting and getting better every day because that's my goal, to be the best ever.” -- Claude Davis, former New York Jets practice squad player
“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
Howie is a longtime Minnesota journalist, independent columnist and author covering sports, power and civic life. His daily column is sponsored by Lyric Kitchen . Bar of Duluth. Minnesota Monsters star wide receiver Jamal Couch has spent much of his professional football life carrying a label that sounds flattering on the
There is a buzz in the air right now about Minnesota Monsters arena league football at Amsoil Arena. Training camp opens on March 23. You can feel it. Something special is building.
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.
When ownership asks fans to pick their seats at $200, they’re not just selling tickets. They’re asking the city to co-sign the project. They’re saying: Trust us early. Commit early. Help us build this from day one.