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sgunter@wmbb.com

Thursday, June 21, 2007

New Football League Breaking Ground

GAINESVILLE – The University of Florida’s Blue and Orange game won’t be the only game played at Florida Field next spring.

Starting in 2008, three All-American Football League games will be played there.  The AAFL is a new minor league professional football organization.

“It’s kind of mind-boggling,” former Florida wide receiver Travis McGriff said.  “When I first learned about the league my first thought was no way too good to be true.”

Along with Florida, McGriff said the league has signed option contracts with the University of Tennessee, Purdue and North Carolina State and has signed a contract with Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala., to host it’s Alabama franchise.

Raymond James Stadium and Orlando’s Citrus Bowl are also considered for possible games in Florida.

To make the games more appealing, the league will regionalize each team.  For example, the Florida team’s roster would feature players from UF, Florida State University, Miami and USF.  But players must have a college degree.

“It’s fascinating, I think players are going to love it,” McGriff said.  “I think fans will absolutely love it. 

“To me this is just a diamond in the rough.  This to me is something that has a tremendous chance to be something special.”

The first try-out for the team is July 2 and is invitation only.  Along with McGriff, other former Florida stars Shane Matthews, Vernell Brown are expected to attend.

The league is expected to announce its teams by the end of June. Play is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2008.

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