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Alabama in the Pros

Former Alabama wide receiver signs with AAF League in Birmingham

Former Tide wide receiver Chris Black during 2015 season: Cedric Mason - Touchdown Alabama Magazine

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. 

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.

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Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 10+ years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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