Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Alliance of American Football and how does it relate to the NFL?
The Alliance of American Football (AAF) is a new professional football league that launched its debut season in 2019. Rather than competing directly with the NFL, the AAF's mission is to help develop players to be better prepared for the demands of the NFL.
Which former Chicago Bears players are now playing in the AAF?
Several former Bears players are now in the AAF, including defensive tackle Will Sutton with the Arizona Hotshots and tight end/fullback Evan Rodriguez with the San Antonio Commanders. Sutton was drafted by the Bears in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft and played at Halas Hall from 2014 to 2016, while Rodriguez was a fourth round pick of the Bears in 2012.
How many Notre Dame players have Chicago ties in the AAF?
Several former Notre Dame Fighting Irish players with Chicago-area ties are playing in the AAF, including Nyles Morgan and Greer Martini with the Salt Lake Stallions, Tarean Folston with the Atlanta Legends, Cody Riggs and Ben Turk with the Orlando Apollos, Scott Daly with the San Antonio Commanders, and John Montelus with the San Diego Fleet.
How did Joel Bouagnon perform at Northern Illinois before joining the AAF?
Joel Bouagnon was one of the most productive running backs of the Rod Carey era at Northern Illinois, rushing for 2,912 yards and 31 touchdowns while averaging an outstanding 8.4 yards per carry. Despite that success, he bounced around training camps with the Bears, Packers, Lions, and Jets from 2017 to 2018 without landing a roster spot.
What AAF team has Chicago connections coaching it and who is their coach?
The San Antonio Commanders are coached by pro-style guru Mike Riley and feature former Bears players Evan Rodriguez at tight end and fullback. The Commanders were sitting in second place in the AAF's Western Conference with a 1-1 record through the first two weeks of the season.