We covered the transition to the AAL2 for the Ohio Legends last year, and at the time, it was a big deal, but obviously they wanted more. That wanting more is what got us to this point, as we found out last Friday, they will be making the move to the AAL. Many have doubts and questions, and we are here to answer them.
Table of Contents
About the Ohio Legends
The Legends started as a high-end semi-pro team prior to 2025, functioning on a level similar to that of the A7FL. Though early in 2026, we saw them completely re-gear. Winters, with a bit of backing and experience in the aforementioned A7FL, brought in staff and found others with arena football experience in preparation for a “Build Up” season similar to what we saw out of Wheeling in 2024. Though things didn’t go perfectly, it gave everyone involved a year to grow and learn.
2026 AAL2 Ohio Legends Season
The season on the field went about as well as you could ask for a team that went from an outdoor, unpadded league in the A7FL to an indoor, padded game with the AAL2. Winters and his Ohio Legends’ staff did a fantastic job of grabbing local, paid talent in preparation for the season.
The season went well for the level they were playing in, with a 5-2 regular-season record, finishing just behind the Pittsburgh Outlaws. In those five wins, we saw close losses and a league-record 90-0 win. The consistency was there, and players like Lynn Townsend gave the Legends an edge in most games.
Though it wasn’t the ending anyone wanted, they would lose to the Michigan Raptors 38-54. It was a disappointing end to an otherwise successful season, marked by few drawbacks.
One thing you will see is that the field and dasher pads weren’t exactly up to what you see out of a pro team, but that blunder wasn’t entirely on the Ohio Legends’ organization. They ordered the turf from a defunct franchise that wasn’t entirely honest as to how good the condition was, and how complete the set was. They managed with what they had and looked ahead to where they could find a better-suited turf and dasher system in 2027.
2027 Ohio Legends Upgrades
When they go fully professional next season, it won’t be a short run-up; they were adamant that they are preparing for the season starting yesterday! This is a run-up they were preparing for, but it wasn’t just showing up.
The AAL was very strict on the Ohio Legends in the vetting process, as they will be on any other potential addition. The process saw them attend multiple meetings, take a look at how they plan on functioning, and given the standards they are to adhere to to play in the American Arena League. Those standards Winters seemed eager to adhere to.
Investment:
According to the organization, they have more investment coming. The local sponsorship, along with major investors, are intent on seeing success in Marion for the Ohio Legends. When you have a major investment come in with an ownership group that is franchise first, it will show in the long run. Winters even says: “The boards should be covered (in sponsorship logos) next year!”
Equipment and Field:
We all know this is the worst part of it in 2026. Everyone can rest assured they will have better in 2027. We learned that they will have a new-used field coming in in the coming months. They have plans to paint the field to match their branding, and yes, it will be a full 50-yard field with end zones.
The dashers, which seemed ragged, will also be gone through, and those that need it will be replaced. Overall, anything you play on or against will be updated and made much nicer for the pro debut.
Not only that, the fans will get the game day experiences and themes we all love. With that comes 4-5 uniform varieties and possibly even alternate helmets. It will be fun over the course of the season to see what combo and insane uniforms the staff can come up with over an eight-game AAL schedule.
Coaching Front Office & Players
The front office for the 2026 Legends was mostly a dual role; if you coached, you also participated in a front office role or game-day prep. That will not be the case in 2027; they will have a full staff, from equipment to front office and medical staff. This will give the football guys the chance to focus on what they are here for: football, while the front office and staff focus on creating a flawless fan experience.
The coaching front will also see the same; if you are an experienced former or current Coordinator or position coach, there may be an opportunity in Marion for you. While not all positions are open, they are open to all applications.
While this is more of an investment point, the team will also have the ability to house a section of their roster for the first time. This is huge and gives an opportunity to pull in talent that may not be close enough to drive in for practice and games. Winters and his experience in various forms of football may be able to pull in a few “diamond in the rough” players.
If you are in the American Arena League or Ohio, this is an exciting time. They have already begun the prep for next season on every part of the franchise. The league is working hard with them ( and all of its teams) to see everything go as planned in 2027! We will cover them and the AAL all off-season and into next season. If you want to see the latest on the Legends, keep checking out Shady Sports!
Don’t forget to check out the latest Shady Sports Magazine issue for July! It’s the first of its kind monthly magazine based solely on indoor and arena football
Check out our latest content:
- Ohio Legends: 2027 AAL Move Up
- Everything AAL: Championship Weekend 2026
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- NXT Great American Bash 2026 Recap
- Night of Champions 2026 Recap: Sami Zayn Wins WWE Title as Oba Femi and IYO SKY Take Tournament Crowns
Check out our previous articles on the AAL and Legends:
Ohio Legends On The Rise For 2026 – Shady Sports Network
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We are currently doing a giveaway to win a piece of Sioux Falls Storm turf that the team once used in games. There is now a second way to enter. Donate any amount of money to the Sammy Strong Foundation, take a screenshot of the “Thank You for Donating to Sammy Strong” image after your donation, and send it to us on any social media platform to automatically enter to win.
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