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Despite the unfortunate recent announcement that the Arena Football League has suspended operations for the 2009 season, the possibility of more pro football in the United States exists for passionate gridiron enthusiasts and very talented players who are left without a uniform. Oronde Gadsden, a former Miami Dolphins WR and AFL player, told RotoExperts.com he is leading an effort to bring a Canadian Football League team back to the United States, maybe even for the upcoming season. Gadsden said the potential franchise would be located in the Detroit area, or Rochester, New York. The CFL last included American franchises during the 1995 season. “Those are two great cities that would support the game and would really fill a niche if we can get agreements from the league, then one of the cities,” Gadsden said. “With the AFL not active, there are some great players who deserve to be seen, and the time is right for CFL expansion back into the U.S. The league is more stable than ever.” There may be some preconceived challenges for a non-NFL team in a U.S. market, but the void created by the AFL and recent attendance figures attributed to the CFL make his goals seem realistic. Through 2007, the league drew more than two million spectators per season for six consecutive years, and last year, the Grey Cup championship game drew 66,308, the second-highest figure in league history for that contest. The AFL was known for its affordability and fan-friendly approach, and Gadsden believes in a similar model for his proposed franchise. “We will appeal to the football purist, but families also,” Gadsden said. “You will be able take a family of four to see a game for around 100 dollars and have a good time. It’s a credible league, and entertainment for your dollar really counts. The stadiums are smaller, and the brand of play of is unique and exciting.” CFL fields are 110 yards long, which makes for less seating room in some American venues. There are also 12 players on each side. There are only three downs to advance the ball, rather than four. These are the main differences between CFL and NFL play, and there are several others, but the bottom line is, you will see a different type of player in the CFL, not one who is inferior. The emphasis is on quickness, more than pure brawn. It’s Gadsden’s intent to bring the distinctive style of play back to American audiences. The two leagues often differ in the types of players they favor. “You’re going to get the best of both worlds,” Gadsden said. “You’ll see players from Canada and American players who deserve their chance, too. With the World League of American football gone too, you have two leagues not operating, and there are a lot of players chasing the dream. I know, because I came up through the AFL and ended up in the NFL.” Gadsden played for the AFL’s Portland Forest Dragons before his six-year run in Miami. He was also part of the ownership group of the National Indoor Football League’s Miami Morays. Drawing upon the past CFL expansion attempts and his own experiences, Gadsden is confident he can make his vision a reality. “We’re trying to put together a group of people from various backgrounds,” he said. “We can learn from the pitfalls of others who have tried to do it, and make it a success. We’ll play in 2009 if we can make it happen.” For more information, contact scotte@rotoexperts.com.
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