Looks like the state of Alabama will have a professional sports team.
On March 20, filmmaker Charles Ebersol founded the Alliance of America Football League and it will be overseen by multiple prominent figures – including former National Football League general manager Bill Polian, former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu and executive J.K. McKay. Former Steelers receiver Hines Ward and ex-Giants defensive end John Tuck will also be in on the matter. The league will be comprised of eight teams and will start February 2019.
Birmingham was one of eight cities selected to host a team. In its announcement of the 15 players joining the roster, wide receiver Chris Black was among the individuals listed.
Welcome former Alabama receiver @cb1_Mizzou to #AllianceBHM!
College: @AlabamaFTBL & @Mizzou
Position: Wide Receiver pic.twitter.com/rNWnYEFIoL— Alliance BHM ⚡ (@AllianceBHM) August 6, 2018
Black attended the University of Alabama for four years (2012-15) and garnered the status of being a five-star prospect upon his arrival from Jacksonville, Fla.
He was a member of two Southeastern Conference championships and a pair of national champions. Although his career started off promising – eight catches, 79 yards, two touchdowns in 2013 – nagging ankle injuries limited his action and Black would eventually transfer to Missouri for his senior season in 2016.
The AAF will start its inaugural, 10-week season one week after the Super Bowl (Feb. 9) and a four-team playoff will be capped with the league’s championship game for the weekend of April 26-28.
With his abilities on the outside, hopefully the AAF will be what Black needs to jump off his professional tenure.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
