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Steelers fans might’ve forgotten these 5 defunct football leagues

By Ryan Pawloski

CARSON, CA - MARCH 08: Tampa Bay Vipers football and helmet seen on the sideline while playing the LA Wildcats at Dignity Health Sports Park during an XFL game on March 8, 2020 in Carson, California. L.A. won 41-34. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - MARCH 08: Tampa Bay Vipers football and helmet seen on the sideline while playing the LA Wildcats at Dignity Health Sports Park during an XFL game on March 8, 2020 in Carson, California. L.A. won 41-34. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /
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Terence Garvin #51 of Orlando Apollos grabs a drink. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/AAF/Getty Images) /

Alliance of American Football (AAF)

Alliance of American Football was a startup league that saw financial backing from former players. They got some interesting names that entered their draft that were looking for another shot at the NFL level. Many did not know what to expect from the eight teams that would play in this league.

This was the first league to compete with the NFL in a while and they had high hopes. They would have their season start right after the conclusion of the Super Bowl and the NFL season to hopefully see some high numbers in ratings. Their only competition in the football market at the time was the Canadian Football League (CFL).

There were many Steelers connections that played this league as they tried to get noticed. Some names included Eli Rogers, Terence Garvin, J.C. Hassenauer, Travis Feeney, Mike Vick (offensive coordinator), and Doran Grant just to name a few. There were many recognizable names that participated in this league only for it to fail rapidly.

It wouldn’t last an entire season and would fold only a couple of months into its inaugural season. It was an interesting league that gave players and coaches a chance to get noticed by the NFL. It did work in that regard as many personnel got a chance to go back into the NFL and get another shot.

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