28 January 2023
Football is without a doubt one of the most beloved sports in America. Every week, millions of passionate fans eagerly tune in to watch the thrilling action on the field while many young aspiring athletes dream of playing professionally one day. Unfortunately, despite these stars-in-the-making ambitions, becoming an NFL player isn’t as simple as it appears to be.
If you’re looking for an alternate route to the NFL, arena football may be your answer. Arena or indoor football is essentially a faster-paced version of traditional American Football that’s played on a smaller field and with unique rules—and it still counts as a legit professional league! Not only can many players use this variation of the game as a platform to jump into the NFL, but how many actually make it? Well…that answer isn’t so straightforward.
What is Arena Football?
Before exploring the statistics, it’s crucial to grasp what makes arena football distinct from traditional football. Arena Football is played on a condensed field—usually 50 yards by 28 yards wide—and bordered with walls that enable players to kick off them and create an exhilarating and dynamic match.
Arena football is known for its unique rules that amplify the game’s speed and strategic thinking. Fewer players on the field, as well as a shorter play clock time create an experience that doesn’t require brute strength in order to succeed. The result? A thrilling match full of unpredictable plays!
The Numbers
Now that we have a better understanding of arena football, let’s take a closer look at the figures. The Arena Football League (AFL) has recorded an impressive 150 players from their league being drafted into the NFL since its establishment in 1987 – despite having only 6 teams! This remarkable figure demonstrates just how powerful and influential arena football is.
Though the NFL has been around for over 100 years and features 32 teams, it’s worth noting that the AFL can only draw their players from a much smaller pool in comparison. Thus, when comparing both leagues’ numbers, they may seem small but are quite admirable given these limitations.
The Challenges
Arena football delivers athletes the opportunity to reach their NFL dreams, yet that doesn’t come without its challenges. One of the most significant issues is visibility; arena games are not broadcasted as much as those in the National Football League, which reduces people’s awareness concerning both the league and its players.
Furthermore, the AFL has had its fair share of financial difficulties in the past that have caused teams to be dissolved and players to lose their employment. This lack of stability can make it difficult for athletes to settle down within the league, as well as draw attention from NFL franchises.
The Success Stories
Don’t let the difficulties of arena football distract you from your dreams; success stories like Kurt Warner and Chris Jakubauskas demonstrate that it is possible to make a successful transition from arena football to the NFL. After all, both of these individuals have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame! With dedication and perseverance, any dream can be achieved – even competing in one of America’s most popular sports leagues.
To sum it up, the journey from arena football to the NFL is no walk in the park. Although prospects may be scarce, AFL provides a platform that allows players to illustrate their abilities and potentially have an opportunity at making an NFL team’s roster. With grit and ambition, those who dare can overcome obstacles on their path toward realizing their ambitions of playing professional football.
