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Minnesota Monsters

Howie: Monsters open training camp
Monsters defensive coordinator Quintez Jackson spoke with a player at today's workout at the Heritage Center. Howie / HowieHanson.com

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.

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Howie: Arena Football One teams begin training camps

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

2 Minute Read
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Howie: Couch brings rare talent, unfinished NFL story to Monsters

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

7 Minute Read
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Howie: Duluth gets another shot at pro football, starting Tuesday
AF1

Howie: Duluth gets another shot at pro football, starting Tuesday

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.

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Howie: Monsters to host pep rally, flash sale

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.

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Howie: This is Duluth’s big-league moment
The Minnesota Monsters are at the Duluth Sports Show at the DECC today through Sunday. Submitted

Howie: This is Duluth’s big-league moment

"I'm excited to see the move to AF1. I'm hoping that the Monsters can continue to grow their tradition of excellence against the next tier of talent representing teams from across the country. The move into Amsoil is another exciting development, bringing fans closer to the action." -- Don Ness

4 Minute Read
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Howie: Clark building Monsters to make a deep run in the AF1
Jaysen Yogi Howard

Howie: Clark building Monsters to make a deep run in the AF1

A veteran emphasis may define the Monsters’ identity more than anything else. Clark said he deliberately avoided inexperienced arena players, opting instead to load camp with proven winners. At least 16 players on the current roster, he said, have won arena championships.

4 Minute Read
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Meadow Lemon: Chasing the same dream, now in Duluth

As the Minnesota Monsters prepare for their Arena Football One debut, our goal is simple: deliver elite football, unforgettable live entertainment and a welcoming environment where fans of all ages feel connected to the team on the field.

3 Minute Read
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Albany, Nashville and Minnesota top three in AF1 preseason poll

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

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50 Yard Football: Monsters joining the big leagues of arena football
Jerry Kurz (left) officially welcomed the Minnesota Monsters and new owner Jake Lambert to the AF1. Submitted, Duluth Monsters.

50 Yard Football: Monsters joining the big leagues of arena football

Howie Hanson is editor & publisher of 50 Yard Football, which covers arena/indoor football leagues. The Minnesota Monsters enter 2026 not as a curiosity, but as one of the most intriguing franchises in arena football’s newest era. Just two seasons ago, this team was born in Duluth as

3 Minute Read
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Howie: AF1 signs six players after NSC padded practice Wednesday

Howie: AF1 signs six players after NSC padded practice Wednesday

AF1’s approach — structured evaluation, real coaching, honest feedback and decisive action — has turned the National Scouting Combine into more than a showcase. It has become a proving ground. And for those who proved themselves once the pads went on, it has already paid off.

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2026 Minnesota Monsters Schedule/ Results

Week 1: vs Albany Firebirds — Apr. 11 Week 2: BYE Week 3: vs Michigan Arsenal — TBD Week 4: vs Oceanside Bombers — May 3 Week 5: vs Michigan Arsenal — TBD Week 6: BYE Week 7: at Nashville Kats — May 22 Week 8: at Kentucky Barrels — May 30 Week 9: vs Oceanside

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