Table of Contents
By Cool McCain
2025 was a year of change. I had the opportunity to cover the American Arena League 2. For those of you not familiar this is a fantastic developmental league for men who want to continue their dream of playing pro football. Compared to what most football fans are used to, there is a unique dynamic in this league.
AAL2: A Developmental League
With rosters comprised of young guys fresh out of college or a break from sports getting into the indoor game for the first time, veteran guys nearing the end of their football career possibly thinking of coaching, men that are focused on getting an opportunity on a higher level, or even guys who got an opportunity and for whatever reason it didn’t work out. All these groups bring something different to the table. To watch them gel is an amazing experience. These players all have one thing in common: LOVE OF THE GAME!!
Before I get into my experience let’s shout out the teams. Strategically teams were placed in Divisions where they were reasonably close to other teams. We had the South which consisted of the eventual league champion Mississippi Wolfpack, the Carolina Predators, the Georgia Indians & the Tri City Rivergators. The East Division which consisted of League Runner up Jersey Bearcats, the New Jersey Roughnecks, the Steel City Stampede, & the Maryland War Eagles. The North Division consisted of the Michigan Avengerz & the Pittsburgh Outlaws.
This league also has many differences from outdoor football. Some of them are that they play 8 vs 8, there is a smaller field, they have walls when you are out of bounds and many other things. This is more of a fast paced environment and like football injuries do happen. Also like outdoor football and other leagues they do have playoffs and a championship game.
Personal Relationships
I had the opportunity to get to know many players, coaches and owners in the league through the AAL Turf Talk leaguewide show that we did to introduce all the teams and staffs. After the season began we had the winners on to discuss how they won and get thoughts on their upcoming matchup.
One thing was certain from my first show: these teams were in it to win it. The 3 divisions had every team going into the season feeling like they had a chance to win. There were teams that stood out from game 1 and some that came on as the season improved. In any league you can look back as a coach, player or fan of the team and feel like a play here or there can make the difference in momentum and a win vs a loss. That’s no different in AAL2. Competitiveness was a major part of the AAL2. Professionalism was also a major part of this league.
In order to be prepared to move to the next level and beyond there is more than just playing. Sure you need to get tape and make great plays, but you also need to fit into the culture and locker room of whatever team signs you. In order to do that you must understand that polish is needed in how you handle interviews, interactions with the staff and the results that happen on the field. We won’t pretend that everything is perfect, but the goal is to be consistent in play and professionalism.
Learning Experiences for Everyone Involved
There were many things I learned covering the AAL2. The main thing for players here is to develop and put yourself in a position to be on the radar of higher level teams. Some guys who have had those opportunities are always there to help out and lend some much needed advice. Resources are there on every team and in the league office. Is it a perfect league? No. Is it developing talent and putting guys in higher leagues? Yes.
Is this a fun alternative during a period of time when mainstream football you are familiar with is not playing with guys that give you all they have? ABSOULUTELY!! Some teams have cheerleaders and that brings an entirely new dimension to their presentation. The American Arena League 2 Football League will continue to do what it does and I’ll be there to help as many people as possible see these teams and enjoy what I believe is a great product. Year one was amazing and I hope to make year 2 even better!!
More Information
It was announced just days ago that the American Arena League, the professional counterpart to the AAL2’s developmental league is relaunching for 2026. As of now they have announced two teams; the Wheeling Miners, and the Columbus Lions. The Miners initially launched in 2024 playing in the AAL2 before moving to the National Arena League for one season. The Columbus Lions have played in countless leagues during their 3-decades of operation. In 2026 they will join the AAL which aims to create a regionally based professional league to cut down some of the costs of ownership for the eastern teams that are fairly far from their former NAL playing partners.
It is expected at least some of the games to fill the schedule on both of these teams will come from interleague play between the AAL, and AAL2. This not only provides extra opponents for the AAL teams, but it also provides a bigger stage for AAL2 players trying to get their start in professional arena football. It will also present unique opportunities to scout local talent playing for the AAL2 teams. The Wheeling Miners will have the Virginia Legion, Maryland War Eagles, Jersey Bearcats, and more to fill out their schedule.
The Columbus Lions will be able to play games against the Tri City Rivergators, Mississippi Wolfpack, Georgia Indians, and potentially the Peach State Cats as well. This makes travel much easier for the Lions, while also maximizing home game opportunities to sell tickets. It is expected that the AAL2 teams would travel to the AAL home arenas to play in the larger venues.
Follow the AAL2
Help this amazing league continue to give players legitimate opportunities, and follow them on all of your favorite social media platforms. They are nearing 3,000 followers on their Facebook page, 1,000 followers on Instagram, and are on their way to 300 subscribers on YouTube, let’s help them hit these milestones before the 2026 season. Click the links below to follow each platform.
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If you are an indoor or arena football fan check out all our latest indoor or arena football content below:
- Robbie Malcom: 2026 Player Spotlight
- Steel City: The Sham Continues at 7-6
- National Arena League Uptick: How the NAL is Stepping Up for 2026
- Expansion and Relocation: Update Part 4
- Pirates Will Find Success in Orlando: 4 Reasons Why
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